Can one come to know the Christian God without having to put trust in other humans? [Redux]

[JGG]

Can one come to know the Christian God without having to put trust in other humans? This thread was already underway, but seems to have stalled, and I have many problems with the responses, as this is a question I end up asking a lot.

"Why? Because you say so?"

As in the other thread please begin each reply with either "yes" or "no".

 

[ViaCrucis]

Christianity is a religion that is communicated by teaching and tradition.

From a specifically Lutheran perspective faith is something given by "the Word, that is, the preaching of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments.

It's not impossible, in theory, for someone to come to faith without other people to preach and offer the Sacraments; but that would constitute a bizarre anomaly and there's no reason (from a Lutheran view) to expect such a thing to ever happen. For Lutherans the preaching of the Gospel and the Sacraments are the Means God has given by which to communicate faith and grace to us.

Why do it this way instead of some other way? Don't know. I don't have an answer.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[JGG]

Christianity is a religion that is communicated by teaching and tradition.

From a specifically Lutheran perspective faith is something given by "the Word, that is, the preaching of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments.

It's not impossible, in theory, for someone to come to faith without other people to preach and offer the Sacraments; but that would constitute a bizarre anomaly and there's no reason (from a Lutheran view) to expect such a thing to ever happen. For Lutherans the preaching of the Gospel and the Sacraments are the Means God has given by which to communicate faith and grace to us.

Why do it this way instead of some other way? Don't know. I don't have an answer.

-CryptoLutheran

Sorry, I didn't add the yes or no bit until after. That's a rather unambiguous "no"?

 

[ViaCrucis]

Sorry, I didn't add the yes or no bit until after. That's a rather unambiguous "no"?

Mostly "no".

-CryptoLutheran

 

[bling]

Can one come to know the Christian God without having to put trust in other humans? This thread was already underway, but seems to have stalled, and I have many problems with the responses, as this is a question I end up asking a lot.

"Why? Because you say so?"

As in the other thread please begin each reply with either "yes" or "no".

I would say: “yes”, but it would be highly unique. People that have never been exposed to Christians, yet come to the realization they cannot relieve their burden of sin with their own ability or by any means other than trusting in a benevolent creator and seek God’s help, will receive God’s help.

 

[oi_antz]

Can one come to know the Christian God without having to put trust in other humans?

Yes. Eg, Adam and Eve.

The Christian God is also more simply known to be "God" and Christianity is the activity of people who are interested in Him.

You can get to know God by yourself. But it isn't possible for you specifically to know Him without regard for the scriptures. You know the scriptures already to an extent. Therefore naturally you will draw upon that information as you relate to Him.

This thread was already underway, but seems to have stalled, and I have many problems with the responses, as this is a question I end up asking a lot.

Thank you. Your threads are always interesting.

"Why? Because you say so?"

No, but rather because it is true. I only say it.

As in the other thread please begin each reply with either "yes" or "no".

NP.

 

[KimT]

I say YES! Read what God has to say. Read the Gospel of John. Pray for God to reveal himself to you. If you are really seeking Him, He will reveal Himself.

 

[DevinF]

Can one come to know the Christian God without having to put trust in other humans? This thread was already underway, but seems to have stalled, and I have many problems with the responses, as this is a question I end up asking a lot.

"Why? Because you say so?"

As in the other thread please begin each reply with either "yes" or "no".

Hello JGG,
Yes. Romans 1:20 "For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."

 

[JGG]

On a slightly, but not completely different note: If you had to guess, why do you think I am an atheist?

 

[ViaCrucis]

On a slightly, but not completely different note: If you had to guess, why do you think I am an atheist?

Because you don't believe in gods. Because you have no evidence that any gods exist. There is no reason for you to believe that any gods exist. Etc.

Just a guess.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[JGG]

Because you don't believe in gods. Because you have no evidence that any gods exist. There is no reason for you to believe that any gods exist. Etc.

Just a guess.

-CryptoLutheran

Don't just give me the answer you expect me to give. Why do you think I'm an atheist?

 

[ViaCrucis]

Don't just give me the answer you expect me to give. Why do you think I'm an atheist?

Because you don't believe in gods. That's why you're an atheist.
Because you have no evidence that any gods exist. That's why you're an atheist.
Because you have no reason to believe any gods exist. That's why you're an atheist.

I don't know how else to word it or phrase it. Is there some other reason that I'm not getting? Last I checked there was no magical atheism fairy that sprinkles atheism dust on people that makes people atheists.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[JGG]

Because you don't believe in gods. That's why you're an atheist.
Because you have no evidence that any gods exist. That's why you're an atheist.
Because you have no reason to believe any gods exist. That's why you're an atheist.

I don't know how else to word it or phrase it. Is there some other reason that I'm not getting? Last I checked there was no magical atheism fairy that sprinkles atheism dust on people that makes people atheists.

-CryptoLutheran

Before I continue, I being purposely difficult. Just excuse it for the moment.

You believe in God. Do you have evidence? Do you have reason to believe in God's existence?

 

[ViaCrucis]

Before I continue, I being purposely difficult. Just excuse it for the moment.

You believe in God. Do you have evidence? Do you have reason to believe in God's existence?

Evidence? I am not aware of any empirical evidence for the existence of God.

My reason for believing in God is my faith in the Person and words of Jesus. Is that reasonable? Possibly not. Is it rational? Probably not.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[JGG]

Evidence? I am not aware of any empirical evidence for the existence of God.

My reason for believing in God is my faith in the Person and words of Jesus. Is that reasonable? Possibly not. Is it rational? Probably not.

-CryptoLutheran

Okay.

Everyone else, the question's still on the table: Why do I not believe in God? Maybe I hate God? Maybe I just want to rebel? Sinning is lot of fun? Maybe I have just too many unanswered questions? None of the above? Go for it!

 

[oi_antz]

Okay.

Everyone else, the question's still on the table: Why do I not believe in God? Maybe I hate God? Maybe I just want to rebel? Sinning is lot of fun? Maybe I have just too many unanswered questions? None of the above? Go for it!

I have a suspicion that you do, TBH. I expect that you prefer to not believe, resulting from the hurts in your life. So as much as you can, you bury it with disbelief. But this is just a hunch.

 

[KimT]

Okay.

Everyone else, the question's still on the table: Why do I not believe in God? Maybe I hate God? Maybe I just want to rebel? Sinning is lot of fun? Maybe I have just too many unanswered questions? None of the above? Go for it!

I think you like to debate, distract, and draw attention to yourself. I have no idea whether or not you believe in God but it appears that you have a strong belief in your own cleverness. I don't mean to be disrespectful, I'm just calling it as I see it.

You can't hate nor rebel from something in which you don't believe.

 

[JGG]

I think you like to debate, distract, and draw attention to yourself.

I do like to debate. I do not think you can get anyone to answer a question honestly unless you distract them from the question itself. That is quite astute. I actually don't think I like to draw attention to myself. I've always generally been quite shy. However, on here I'd say I use myself as a distraction from my questions.

I have no idea whether or not you believe in God but it appears that you have a strong belief in your own cleverness.

Whose cleverness should I believe in? You have to be clever to get people to be honest.

I don't mean to be disrespectful, I'm just calling it as I see it.

No problem.

You can't hate nor rebel from something in which you don't believe.

That's what I say.