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[scraparcs]

Do you believe in God as a big external being out there that's a whole lot more powerful/bigger than us?

 

[Father Rick]

Father Rick (or whoever else),

I don't know if this is the right place to post this question or not, but I was wondering what does it mean when you feel like God is a million miles away? Why does God do that? What is He trying to achieve?

Thanks.

Sorry it took so long to answer this for you.

I've found that when it seems God is really far away one of two things is happening.

The first situation is that I have done something to separate myself from Him-- either I've allowed sin into my life in some area, or I've simply neglected the basic spiritual disciplines (prayer, bible study, etc.) that help keep me "tuned in" to Him. If this is what is happening then the solution is rather simple. If it's a sin issue, then repent. If you've neglected spending time with Him, then renew your quiet time with Him.

If you've already done those things and are still finding that God seems distance to you, then it is usually what I call "the chase". (and since noone I know has come up with a better term, I guess it works). What I mean is that, there are times when God wants to take us to a deeper place in Him--to come to know Him even more and to see more of His glory and His nature. In these times, it seems that God pulls himself back just a little so that we will "search" for Him. It seems that we're doing everything that we've always done, but it's just "not working" anymore. It's in these times that God is teaching us to go beyond what we've always done to learn more about who He truly is. This is when He takes us out of our comfort zone, calling us to even deeper levels of consecration to Him. You may find things in scripture, or feel the Holy Spirit prompting you to do things you've never done before-- either in prayer, in acts of service to others, in dying to yourself in various areas.

Remember that the goal is a closer relationship with Him. He doesn't just abandon us. But, rather, He woos us to Himself so that we know Him more and more.

Blessings!

 

[Father Rick]

Have you ever witnessed a miracle?

Yes, I have.

I have seen several miraculous healings-- such as a college student, born club-foot, (special shoes, etc.) whose bones re-arranged themselves in front of my eyes. Personally, I classify that as more of a healing than a miracle, though.

The one clear cut miracle that couldn't be classified as a healing was when the bread for communion appeared in my hand out of thin air. It looked like something on Star Trek when something is "beamed in". I was just there with my mouth open watching it happen.

What are your views on scientists that become theologians? Alister Mcgrath, Polkinghorne, etc.

Throughout history, a large number of scientists who made major scientific breakthroughs were scientists. In fact, theology was known as "the queen of the sciences", since it was/is thought that studying the nature of God would give insights into His handiwork (aka creation/the universe). Personally, I have a strong math/science background and not only do I find no conflict between science and theology, I actually feel that the two go hand in hand.

Hmm, and something that only a priest might be able to answer... do you doubt your faith sometimes? What do you do when your faith is shaken?

There have been times on my spiritual journey where my faith was severly shaken. One of my favorite quotes from scripture is "Lord, I believe. Help thou my unbelief!" One of the early church fathers wrote "how can one truly believe save first one has doubted".

One of the things that I've learned over the years is that God doesn't have self-esteem issues, and He's not threatened by our doubts. Rather, He keeps us and helps us when we do have doubts and fears. And... when we go through those times, the end result is that we are even stronger in our faith in the end than ever before. I've been through quite a number of trajedies in my life-- far more than most people. What I've come to realize as I've gone through these things is that God really is in control. Even when we don't understand at the time, His grace toward us is more than we could ever imagine.

Blessings!

 

[Father Rick]

Do you believe in God as a big external being out there that's a whole lot more powerful/bigger than us?

Since this is the non-Christian part of the forum, I have to clarify what you mean by "being". (I've learned that people come from many different backgrounds so it's best to make sure we're on the same page.)

Yes, I do believe that God is self-existent, and separate from us-- even though we can have communion with Him.

Yes, I do believe that God is much greater/more powerful than us. He is truly omnipotent.

 

[LovesEnduringPromise]

I am a christian, but I have a question.
If you truly believe in God how can you see or feel the presence of evil. I know we all feel evil near sometimes, but I am devoted to God and love him so much and try not to sin, though I do fall at times...why do I see demonic images around me at times, and feel evil surrounding me and I can be doing anything normal and its always there. I feel tortured by damned souls all the time, and at times I have had nightmares because of it, and woke up screaming and scratching myself.....is this demon possession/opression? How could this happen if Im close to God? I thought only the ones who didnt have God could get this way, I thought if you have the holy spirit in you you cannot be possessed??

 

[anatolian]

Hi Priest.What do you think about the prophet of islam Muhammed(pbuh),Quran and islamic God consept?

 

[BurntUmber]

I have a question:
Now, up until I was ten, I believed in Christianity and so fourth due to a miracle that I now realize to be scientific. However, after a bit of pondering three years ago, I thought; "Well, why not just try and do a prayer of my own. If it works, I'll believe in God. If not then not."
So I prayed for a dream of either Jesus or God to tell me that He exists. This prayer-dream never came, and this further solidified my dis-belief. Anyway I was curious: Why would God, if He existed, ignore my very simple, easy to fulfill prayer?

 

[Father Rick]

Hey guys!

I've only been on CF about 10 minutes in the past week or so.

I'm trying to catch up everywhere... so give me a bit and I'll get to all your questions.

Blessings!

 

[Jerrell]

This thread is a blessing, you are truly an insighful person Pastor Rick, may God's glory and personage continue to watch over you and bless you. You handle questions very well, and you inspire anyone who reads them, God Bless.

I do have a question. What is your view of Baptist, do they do anything you consider wrong?

 

[Radicchio]

I realize that this is for non-Christians; however, I did not see another forum where I could ask this questions.

My dearest friend (a Catholic) passed on May 2007. I was responsible for making all arrangements and in accordance with his wishes he was given a Catholic burial.

I can’t remember if it was at the Rosary or during the funeral service that the Priest said that we should continue to pray for John who is purgatory, as he cannot pray himself out.

I am Lutheran and as you know we differ somewhat from Catholics on this issue. My question is whether there are any special prayers. I have a Benedictine Daily Prayer – A short Breviary, which has a section, called “Office for The Dead” and when daily visiting his grave I read from the appropriate time. I also say the Rosary. Am I wrong in saying the Rosary since I am not Catholic? Personally, based on my beliefs, I do not believe saying the Rosary is necessary since I can pray through Christ, and I am doing it more for John. I must admit saying the Rosary is very comforting, but at the same time I feel like I am denying Christ (Not sure that makes sense?). I am sure my pastor would not be pleased.

Sorry for being so long, but any guidance you can give me would be most appreciated.

 

[divinehandmaiden]

Hello Father Rick,

Am writing a children's book (TG it's only 10 pages!) and wanted to put it past your team for input/suggestion. It's introducing kids to their Heavenly Family in a way that they can hopefully grasp. I wanted to send it to you and the "team" but I cannot figure out how to email you! When I hit an icon from your homepage-its an instant messanger type that tells me you're off line! (duh, no kidding!) I was hoping to find a link to PM you-am I missing it among all of these avatars? Anyway, let me know if you and the others would kindly look it over for me. I would VERY much appreciate your suggestions. My goal isto present this to as many "christian" children as possible, yet I know that not all Christian faiths hold the same beliefs beyond the Trinity.
I'll be waiting to hear back from you!
D