Are you afraid to look through the telescope?

Avonia · Dec 26, 2007

The first Adventist fundamental belief is that the Bible is an infallible revelation of God's will. It seems, however, like the Bible is the only place that some people look on their spiritual path.

We are comfortable learning broadly about science, art, philosophy, politics, and many other things, but not necessarily comfortable looking broadly when it comes to what we care most deeply about. Knowing God.

I'm interested in where you are looking and what you are finding that adds to your knowledge and experience of God.

StormyOne · Dec 26, 2007

are you suggesting that the bible is not the only way people can get to know God?

Avonia · Dec 26, 2007

StormyOne said:
are you suggesting that the bible is not the only way people can get to know God?

I am suggesting there are many ways! The Omnipresent Divine. This doesn't mean you have to accept the belief of all other peoples, but look at whether they have something to contribute to your own understanding. A slightly different take . . . so to speak.

One of the traditions I've studied a little and participated in is Native American. In being with several communities, I've learned about the power of connection with the land. They have (had) a deep relationship with natural elements. I wouldn't want to stay in any of the communities I've visited, but it was a good visit.

What about you, Stormy? What have you experience or studied?

StormyOne · Dec 26, 2007

Avonia said:
I am suggesting there are many ways! The Omnipresent Divine. This doesn't mean you have to accept the belief of all other peoples, but look at whether they have something to contribute to your own understanding. A slightly different take . . . so to speak.

One of the traditions I've studied a little and participated in is Native American. In being with several communities, I've learned about the power of connection with the land. They have (had) a deep relationship with natural elements. I wouldn't want to stay in any of the communities I've visited, but it was a good visit.

What about you, Stormy? What have you experience or studied?

I would agree that we can learn from those around us, and that no one group has all the "truth" about God or what he wants...

freeindeed2 · Dec 26, 2007

StormyOne said:
I would agree that we can learn from those around us, and that no one group has all the "truth" about God or what he wants...

WHAT???!!! But...denomination...Adventism...remnant...our own prophet...

In Christ alone...

BGMCFAR · Dec 26, 2007

grew up on a native American reservation I'm quite farmiliar with there beliefs , but they often spoke of the great spirit in the sky. Freed our you kidding or are you serious.

StormyOne · Dec 26, 2007

BGMCFAR said:
grew up on a native American reservation I'm quite farmiliar with there beliefs , but they often spoke of the great spirit in the sky. Freed our you kidding or are you serious.

he is kidding...

sentipente · Dec 26, 2007

The problem with the Adventist practice is that it ignores the truth revealed in Rom. 1:20 that it is through a study of nature that we get in touch with the hidden things of the Creator. You don't understand the Creator by trying to study the Creator because you only end up studying your own caricature of the Creator.

freeindeed2 · Dec 26, 2007

BGMCFAR said:
grew up on a native American reservation I'm quite farmiliar with there beliefs , but they often spoke of the great spirit in the sky. Freed our you kidding or are you serious.

TOTALLY kidding! I was an SDA pastor for 10+ years!

In Christ alone...

JonMiller · Dec 27, 2007

sentipente said:
The problem with the Adventist practice is that it ignores the truth revealed in Rom. 1:20 that it is through a study of nature that we get in touch with the hidden things of the Creator. You don't understand the Creator by trying to study the Creator because you only end up studying your own caricature of the Creator.

Then you should study physics and mathematics!

JM

StormyOne · Dec 27, 2007

JonMiller said:
Then you should study physics and mathematics!

JM

ummm no..... some people are good with math and physics..... and some are not.... I fall into that last category.... however, when it comes to people and studying them.... count me in.....

Avonia · Dec 27, 2007

sentipente said:
The problem with the Adventist practice is that it ignores the truth revealed in Rom. 1:20 that it is through a study of nature that we get in touch with the hidden things of the Creator. You don't understand the Creator by trying to study the Creator because you only end up studying your own caricature of the Creator.

That's an interesting way to say it. The caricature also assumes some kind of consolidation that is easily identifiable and distinct, instead of something that is part of an overall fabric.

Avonia · Dec 27, 2007

JonMiller said:
Then you should study physics and mathematics!

JM

Is this the same JM? Did you just morph?

I think everyone should study physics and mathematics, but I find beauty where some only find torture!

We don't test physics against the Bible, and yet talk about finding God through physics. But we do test other spiritual, philosophical, and religious traditions against the Bible. What's the difference? Why can't we find God in all expressions of creation?

sentipente · Dec 27, 2007

JonMiller said:
Then you should study physics and mathematics!

JM

Is your world that small? There is more to nature than the academic disciplines of physics and mathematics.

JonMiller · Dec 27, 2007

I do think that other fields of study of nature are important (perhaps even crucial). But I don't really see how a deep study of nature can be attempted without the inclusion of physics and mathematics.

JM

RND · Dec 27, 2007

Avonia said:
I am suggesting there are many ways! The Omnipresent Divine. This doesn't mean you have to accept the belief of all other peoples, but look at whether they have something to contribute to your own understanding. A slightly different take . . . so to speak.

One of the traditions I've studied a little and participated in is Native American. In being with several communities, I've learned about the power of connection with the land. They have (had) a deep relationship with natural elements. I wouldn't want to stay in any of the communities I've visited, but it was a good visit.

What about you, Stormy? What have you experience or studied?

This is a great topic Avonia and I too feel very much the same way you do regarding the native American peoples as you mentioned. They had to Jesus, no Bibles, no Temple sacrificial system and yet mightily believe in a generally "monotheistic" God with many "spirits."

I suspect one day Heaven will be quite the place when many of them will learn that all they believed was true.

I think it's a good reminder to reflect that Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph and Moses didn;t have Bibles, yet believed mightily in the Lord.

Avonia · Dec 27, 2007

RND said:
This is a great topic Avonia and I too feel very much the same way you do regarding the native American peoples as you mentioned. They had to Jesus, no Bibles, no Temple sacrificial system and yet mightily believe in a generally "monotheistic" God with many "spirits."

I suspect one day Heaven will be quite the place when many of them will learn that all they believed was true.

I think it's a good reminder to reflect that Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph and Moses didn;t have Bibles, yet believed mightily in the Lord.

Nicely said RND!

sentipente · Dec 27, 2007

JonMiller said:
I do think that other fields of study of nature are important (perhaps even crucial). But I don't really see how a deep study of nature can be attempted without the inclusion of physics and mathematics.

JM

The revelation comes regardless of how deep the study is. I know something about your father whether I am just your neighbor or the surgeon who remove your appendix. The point is that knowledge of the Creator is best obtained by becoming familiar with the things that He made.

mva1985 · Dec 27, 2007

sentipente said:
The revelation comes regardless of how deep the study is. I know something about your father whether I am just your neighbor or the surgeon who remove your appendix. The point is that knowledge of the Creator is best obtained by becoming familiar with the things that He made.

I indeed think that is one of the three ways:

1. Observing nature
2. Reading the Word
3. Prayer and communication

annie1speed · Dec 27, 2007

Then you should study physics and mathematics!

JM

And chemistry! Don't forget about the Chemistry!

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