Ask a Christian philosopher a question

[oi_antz]

So I think it's just "no" to the first question. I personally cannot imagine how it is possible to do that without deceiving myself, but only because when I was forced with that ultimatum in ~2008, I chose to not do it. I do not know how you have arrived at your world view though, I only know that to get from mine to yours would require some self-deception and dishonesty. This is essentially why I asked whether you had been aware of the same errors in your process, as I do assume it is natural to know when the truth convicts us (therefore, to know when we are not living holy).

 

[dlamberth]

How can a person, be left in God's hands, if they don't feel a God exists?

Because we (all of us and all there is in the Universe) is no more separated from God than a fish swimming in the Ocean is separated from water.

.

 

[anonymous person]

Is that what you tell yourself?

Yes.

 

[anonymous person]

Well, that's a disappointing answer. But He, like the rest of us, was born to die, being mortal.

So how much of a sacrifice was it, knowing His Son would be restored to Him in three days not only good as new, but better than ever?
I guess I don't understand your answer since the suffering and devastation was other people's and not His, so I don't see how more people suffering makes His sacrifice any different to Him one way or the other.

A very great sacrifice indeed.

 

[anonymous person]

You get to make up your own facts now? Cool.

Could you try again, without the double negative, Mr. C. Philosopher?

I could, but I see no reason to.

 

[anonymous person]

Why did you become a christian?

God was gracious to me and so ordered providence as to facilitate my coming to the realization that I needed Jesus to save me and make me whole.

 

[anonymous person]

That's not what I'm asking. For God to be Jealous (or Zealous). Would there not be another God for him to be jealous of?

Not necessarily if one takes into account the terms can be used to convey different meanings.

 

[bhsmte]

Because we (all of us and all there is in the Universe) is no more separated from God than a fish swimming in the Ocean is separated from water.

.

Which God?

 

[anonymous person]

My question is this: Who told you what is in the bible?

I told myself what was in the bible as I read it to myself.

 

[anonymous person]

Perhaps you could elucidate the "morally sufficient reasons" you alluded to in the thread on the Flood, which you appear to have abandoned?

One was to prevent the extinction of mankind. Another was to demonstrate His righteous wrath against sin. Another was to protect the righteous from the evil machinations of fallen men.

 

[anonymous person]

I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about the case for Christianity. You think it acceptable to deceive others if it furthers that case?

"Christianity" as used here is simply too broad a term for me to interact with. It covers too many things so I ask that you be more specific please.

 

[dlamberth]

Which God?

The Creator of all there is and all there ever will be, God.

 

[bhsmte]

The Creator of all there is and all there ever will be, God.

Ok, you believe he exists, so I understand your position.

I don't believe he exists, so that should make my position clear as well.

 

[anonymous person]

I don't know if my question fits the criteria but I would love an answer if you could give me one. I would like to know if the Holy Spirit grants us a talent and intends for us to use it, but only a way that is in accordance with His plan for us. And if He does grant us such a talent, does this talent require the human things that are used to develop it like hard work or motivation? Sometimes it feels as if God has given me gifts that I can't use on my own or can't develop in any way through human ways. For example, he grants me the ability to write stories that are considered entertaining by human standards, but that also carry a message of His love. When I try to write in another manner or out of my own knowledge, it goes horribly wrong and is misunderstood. When I let go of my own desires and needs and allow Him to work through me, it works out perfectly. The less involvement I have the better the story becomes. There is one particular verse that keeps going through my head, "Lean not on your own understanding, but trust in the Lord and he will direct your paths." That seems to be exactly what he is doing. Is this too good to be true and am I being lazy or is His Holy Spirit truly doing all the work for me so that I do not have to take matters into my own flawed hands?

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen..

My friend, that which God gives you is given to you for a specific purpose, to be used at specific times and in specific ways. Abiding in the will of God moment by moment with a sincere heart of love with a will set to do nothing but His good pleasure is the key to opening the treasure chest of these gifts and talents.

No it is not too good to be true. You have not even begun to fathom the things that God has prepared for them that love Him.

 

[dlamberth]

Ok, you believe he exists, so I understand your position.

I don't believe he exists, so that should make my position clear as well.

OK...that changes nothing.

 

[Eyes wide Open]

It is not clear to me why you are taking issue with this. @bhsmte too.

We all have our own worldview. Mine doesn't involve words written in a book to be truth, they maybe, but not to me if they don't fit my worldview.

 

[dlamberth]

You have not even begun to fathom the things that God has prepared for them that love Him.

Have you?

 

[bhsmte]

OK...that changes nothing.

It clarifies our positions.

 

[Chris B]

...I only know that to get from mine to yours would require some self-deception and dishonesty.

So to invert the questioning, what do you consider so obvious and indisputable, incontrovertible, about the existence of God which means that there is no possibility, however small, of a universe with no deity being an honest and rational conclusion?

I can't think of any route which reaches that without at least a missed alternative somewhere in the chain of thought.

 

[sahjimira]

Hmmmm....I guess a perfect being could do anything it wanted to. Just because we don't understand it doesn't change anything