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Author Topic:   Which God?
MonkeyBoy
Inactive Member


Message 1 of 81 (106240)
05-07-2004 8:55 AM


Hello all -
I have been lurking for about a year and a half, and it seems to me that for the most part, everyone here seems to be unbiased and willing to dispense advice.
I used to live as a literalist (first Baptist then Pentecostal, then non-dem) years ago; that is to say I really believed. I wasn't raised a Christian, I "found Jesus" at 16 and literally ran with it. My sincere beliefs not withstanding, I started to notice serious, irreconcilable problems regarding the validity of the bible. After years of searching, I then realized that I did not believe anymore; the well had run dry. This was not an arbitrary decision.
Recently, while I have not been searching, I am now getting the "feeling" that there may a god. Of course, I have no proof whatsoever to offer; it is simply a knowing (I think). It isn't like I was unhappy without a god in my life; quite the opposite. I have a great marriage, a son, a decent job and a few really close friends. In short, I wasn't going through any kind of a crisis that would cause me to desperately hope for the supernatural.
My question is, how do I know which god may be trying to communicate?
Any thoughts are welcome, thanks!
This message has been edited by Admin, 05-08-2004 08:59 AM

Replies to this message:
 Message 4 by One_Charred_Wing, posted 05-10-2004 1:02 AM MonkeyBoy has replied
 Message 79 by Sleeping Dragon, posted 05-20-2004 10:04 AM MonkeyBoy has replied

  
Admin
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Message 3 of 81 (106568)
05-08-2004 10:00 AM


Thread moved here from the Proposed New Topics forum.

  
One_Charred_Wing
Member (Idle past 6156 days)
Posts: 690
From: USA West Coast
Joined: 11-21-2003


Message 4 of 81 (106963)
05-10-2004 1:02 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by MonkeyBoy
05-07-2004 8:55 AM


Some thoughts on this question
Hi, good to see you come out of hiding. I'll get right to the question:
how do I know which god may be trying to communicate?
I've got a hunch that God, Allah, Vishnu/(can't remember the Hindu God of Creation) and all the others might be the same thing, it's just humans have different interpretations of Him.
serious, irreconcilable problems regarding the validity of the bible.
Remember with the stories in the Bible that regardless of whether or not most of the old testament events really happened, they teach us important lessons. As long as you get the lesson from it, it's good enough, right? I think the best lesson that the old testament teaches us is that even the greatest heroes have hubris, the fatal flaw. Noah is a prime example of a corruptable hero.

Wanna feel God? Step onto the wrestling mat and you'd be crazy to deny the uplifting spirit.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by MonkeyBoy, posted 05-07-2004 8:55 AM MonkeyBoy has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 6 by MonkeyBoy, posted 05-10-2004 7:38 AM One_Charred_Wing has not replied

  
almeyda
Inactive Member


Message 5 of 81 (107013)
05-10-2004 3:30 AM


...
"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me" - John 14:6
This message has been edited by almeyda, 05-10-2004 02:47 AM

Replies to this message:
 Message 7 by MonkeyBoy, posted 05-10-2004 7:46 AM almeyda has replied

  
MonkeyBoy
Inactive Member


Message 6 of 81 (107048)
05-10-2004 7:38 AM
Reply to: Message 4 by One_Charred_Wing
05-10-2004 1:02 AM


Re: Some thoughts on this question
I've got a hunch that God, Allah, Vishnu/(can't remember the Hindu God of Creation) and all the others might be the same thing, it's just humans have different interpretations of Him.
I have considered this as well, that all paths lead to One.
Remember with the stories in the Bible that regardless of whether or not most of the old testament events really happened, they teach us important lessons. As long as you get the lesson from it, it's good enough, right? I think the best lesson that the old testament teaches us is that even the greatest heroes have hubris, the fatal flaw. Noah is a prime example of a corruptable hero.
Sounds like we are on the same page; someone on this board, and I cannot remember the members' name in referencing the bible, suggested that the map is not the destination.
I really believe that, and I think that when the bible (or any supposed holy text) is worshipped and treated as god (inerrant, perfect and complete), then there is plenty of room for problems.
I am starting to believe that I may be a Deist; I am familiar with the writings of Thomas Paine and Bertrand Russell and I really agree with what they have to say.
Among other things, that the 'word of god' is not printed on paper, but rather in nature.
That there is no burning hell of place of eternal torment.
That we live our lives respectful of others and as peacefully as we can, embracing tolerance and diversity.
Sounds a great deal better than what I used to believe.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 4 by One_Charred_Wing, posted 05-10-2004 1:02 AM One_Charred_Wing has not replied

  
MonkeyBoy
Inactive Member


Message 7 of 81 (107049)
05-10-2004 7:46 AM
Reply to: Message 5 by almeyda
05-10-2004 3:30 AM


Re: ...
"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me" - John 14:6
Just one way, though? Rather limiting, I'd think. Although I will admit that the some of the words attributed to Jesus are among the best thing in the bible.
No offense intended almeyda, but I have heard that before; in fact, I used to preach it, along with John 3:16, Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9-10 and 10:13 (A.K.A. The Roman Road) and Acts 2:21.
I cannot accept that the bible is 100% accurate, or that it is the 'word of god', hence my little problem. I seem to be missing a rulebook :-).

This message is a reply to:
 Message 5 by almeyda, posted 05-10-2004 3:30 AM almeyda has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 8 by almeyda, posted 05-10-2004 8:18 AM MonkeyBoy has replied

  
almeyda
Inactive Member


Message 8 of 81 (107053)
05-10-2004 8:18 AM
Reply to: Message 7 by MonkeyBoy
05-10-2004 7:46 AM


Re: ...
I think its naive to think theres many Gods. Every God has different teachings. Maybe similar but no doubt different. I however believe theres only one which is the one of the Holy Bible. But of course everybody has a different opinion.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 7 by MonkeyBoy, posted 05-10-2004 7:46 AM MonkeyBoy has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 9 by MonkeyBoy, posted 05-10-2004 8:40 AM almeyda has replied

  
MonkeyBoy
Inactive Member


Message 9 of 81 (107054)
05-10-2004 8:40 AM
Reply to: Message 8 by almeyda
05-10-2004 8:18 AM


Re: ...
I think its naive to think theres many Gods. Every God has different teachings. Maybe similar but no doubt different. I however believe theres only one which is the one of the Holy Bible.
That may be, but is it possible that the diversity of gods and their respective religions are simply many faces of the same god?
I am assuming that you believe the bible to be without error; if that is true, how do you know?
Also, how do you know when to take a verse figuratively or literally? These two seemingly unanswerable questions, and many more, are the primary reasons that Deism looks so favorable.
In my opinion, of course. :-)

This message is a reply to:
 Message 8 by almeyda, posted 05-10-2004 8:18 AM almeyda has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 10 by almeyda, posted 05-10-2004 9:28 AM MonkeyBoy has replied

  
almeyda
Inactive Member


Message 10 of 81 (107067)
05-10-2004 9:28 AM
Reply to: Message 9 by MonkeyBoy
05-10-2004 8:40 AM


Re: ...
Thats a possibility. But my God reminds me to worship only him and his word. Yes i do believe the Bible is without error, I came to that conclusion after study and research on the book. The only contradictions ive heard so far have been blurred out of context ones. The Bible is in no conflict to anything of the world except evolution which weve already discussed elsewere is not fact. As for your figuritively question the Bible is written in normal language. Just like any other book or writing we know whats literal and figuritively.. For example im hungry enough to eat a horse .. Figure of speech right?. The Bible is not any different to any other book. Genesis i believe was to be taken literally. Because such ideas as God used evolution or made the first cell are completely insane i belive & such ideas have came from reintepreting Gods word. The problem with "deism" (never heard of that word before). Is the different teachings. For example Islam which came after the Bible says Jesus is a prophet, Whereas the Bible it is the son of God. So you need to look at the credentials of every religous textbook and pick which one has the credentials to be Gods book. Have a look at my Fullfilled Bible prophecy topic in proposed topics forum and you will realise that no other book has a fullfilled prophcies of there teachings,messiah etc. The Bible by far stands tall to all other religions. Prophecy is not even close to all the evidences the Bible has of Divine inspiration. However no other book has even 1 clear prophecy. Very good evidence for the Bible. (Remember Jesus words "He who shall seek, shall find").

This message is a reply to:
 Message 9 by MonkeyBoy, posted 05-10-2004 8:40 AM MonkeyBoy has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 12 by jar, posted 05-10-2004 9:39 AM almeyda has not replied
 Message 13 by MonkeyBoy, posted 05-10-2004 9:41 AM almeyda has replied
 Message 50 by Gilgamesh, posted 05-13-2004 4:50 AM almeyda has not replied

  
riVeRraT
Member (Idle past 416 days)
Posts: 5788
From: NY USA
Joined: 05-09-2004


Message 11 of 81 (107070)
05-10-2004 9:35 AM


I was under the impression that we all are praising the same God. Its just that Jews, and Musslems, don't believe in Jesus.
Isn't the koran 95% identical to the Bible?
You may not "feel" Jesus, but without him, we are not forgiven, and cannot go to heaven. regardless, Jesus was the center of History, and changed things for us, so that we may feel God.
I have asked quite a few deeply religious Jewish people, and they don't "feel" God. They believe that every breath of air, and every little thing we do is God. Not some super natural force that can be felt. Same thing for hindu's? They believe God lives within every little thing, but then you start worshiping things instead of God. That doesn't seem right to me.
Keep praying, and listen very closely. I believe God will give you the answers you are looking for. I will pray for it too.
This message has been edited by riVeRraT, 05-10-2004 08:38 AM

  
jar
Member (Idle past 394 days)
Posts: 34026
From: Texas!!
Joined: 04-20-2004


Message 12 of 81 (107071)
05-10-2004 9:39 AM
Reply to: Message 10 by almeyda
05-10-2004 9:28 AM


He reminds you!
That's important.
We know that the GOD of the Jew is the same GOD as the God of the Christians.
He (or she) is also the same GOD as the Muslims worship.
So we know that there are at least three religions that all worship the same GOD.
Is it unreasonable to believe that a GOD is capable of speaking to people in the voice and manner that they can best accept?

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

This message is a reply to:
 Message 10 by almeyda, posted 05-10-2004 9:28 AM almeyda has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 14 by Dr Jack, posted 05-10-2004 9:41 AM jar has replied
 Message 75 by Cold Foreign Object, posted 05-18-2004 11:05 PM jar has replied

  
MonkeyBoy
Inactive Member


Message 13 of 81 (107072)
05-10-2004 9:41 AM
Reply to: Message 10 by almeyda
05-10-2004 9:28 AM


Re: ...
But my God reminds me to worship only him and his word.
See, this is a problem; if I am reading what you wrote correctly, you just stated that you worship a book.
Yes i do believe the Bible is without error, I came to that conclusion after study and research on the book.
I came to the opposite conclusion. I have researched biblical prophecy, historicity, translatory issues and the possibility of plagerism from a variety of different religions which of course predate the bible. I don't want to stray from the topic, but it is because of the errors, contradictions and problems that I cannot take it as more than a possible guide to god.
Certainly not as his inerrant word.
Thanks for taking the time to reply and share your thoughts!

This message is a reply to:
 Message 10 by almeyda, posted 05-10-2004 9:28 AM almeyda has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 33 by almeyda, posted 05-10-2004 11:29 PM MonkeyBoy has replied

  
Dr Jack
Member
Posts: 3514
From: Immigrant in the land of Deutsch
Joined: 07-14-2003
Member Rating: 8.7


Message 14 of 81 (107073)
05-10-2004 9:41 AM
Reply to: Message 12 by jar
05-10-2004 9:39 AM


Re: He reminds you!
The Jewish, and Muslim gods are emphatically not the same gods as the Christian gods. They may share a common origin, but they are not the same.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 12 by jar, posted 05-10-2004 9:39 AM jar has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 15 by jar, posted 05-10-2004 9:57 AM Dr Jack has replied

  
jar
Member (Idle past 394 days)
Posts: 34026
From: Texas!!
Joined: 04-20-2004


Message 15 of 81 (107080)
05-10-2004 9:57 AM
Reply to: Message 14 by Dr Jack
05-10-2004 9:41 AM


Of course they are.
Are you saying that Christianity threw out the OLD GOD and Brought in a NEW GOD?
It sounds like something from Steve Martin, "Enough of this OLD GOD, bring me some NEW GOD."

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

This message is a reply to:
 Message 14 by Dr Jack, posted 05-10-2004 9:41 AM Dr Jack has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 16 by Dr Jack, posted 05-10-2004 10:29 AM jar has replied

  
Dr Jack
Member
Posts: 3514
From: Immigrant in the land of Deutsch
Joined: 07-14-2003
Member Rating: 8.7


Message 16 of 81 (107086)
05-10-2004 10:29 AM
Reply to: Message 15 by jar
05-10-2004 9:57 AM


Re: Of course they are.
Yup.
The Jewish god has no conception of either Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, and no concept of forgiveness of sins. That's all new testament stuff.
The Jewish god doesn't give a flying monkey fuck about Gentiles, the Christian gods wants to save them all.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 15 by jar, posted 05-10-2004 9:57 AM jar has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 17 by jar, posted 05-10-2004 10:33 AM Dr Jack has replied
 Message 19 by grass monkey, posted 05-10-2004 10:46 AM Dr Jack has replied

  
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