How can we find truth? (Jesus Christ, ritual, paradise, beliefs)

[Katzpur]

Assuming that there is such a thing as absolute truth (as I personally believe there is), how does God, assuming He exists (as I believe He does) expect us to find it? Since it seems to me that God would want us to come to a know what is true and what isn't, why do we get supposedly conflicting answers when we ask Him for guidance. If we are sincere in our search for truth, why do you suppose God isn't giving all of us the same answers?

[Darkness]

Assuming God exists he would not want us to find all the truth of the Universe. Truth is something good to gain, but once you absorb all truth, you lose one of the wonders it is to be human. You lose discovery. The same principle applies to all instances of human existence.

To borrow some profound words: "But it's not only love that will suffer as a result of perfection. In heaven, how can someone be truly courageous in the absence of fear? How can someone build character without experiencing hardship? How can anyone in heaven possess gifts and talents if everyone is perfect? If there is no bad, how can anyone appreciate or measure good? Attributes such as courage, happiness, goodness, creativity, inspiration, and joy will become absoluetly meaningless in a perfect world. By gaining perfection in paradise, we loose all the contrasting attributes that make us human."

[Katzpur]

Good points, Darkness. I especially liked the "profound words" you borrowed.

Originally Posted by Darkness

Assuming God exists he would not want us to find all the truth of the Universe. Truth is something good to gain, but once you absorb all truth, you lose one of the wonders it is to be human. You lose discovery. The same principle applies to all instances of human existence.

I guess I was thinking more along the lines of the doctrines of some of the world's great religions. If Islam is the "absolute truth," why hasn't God told me so? I'm as interested in knowing what's true as anybody else.

[Weeziana]

Maybe there is no absolute truth and that's why he hasn't told you. There are different religions with different beliefs, and of course, each think their's is the absolute truth. Yet, not one person has ever heard it from god's mouth. If there was, I don't think it would be so hard to find. Maybe, just maybe, we were never meant to know.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Weeziana

Maybe there is no absolute truth and that's why he hasn't told you.

If there is no absolute truth, your response would make sense. However, I stated in my OP that I was asking the question under the premise that there is absolute truth. So what I'm looking for are answers to my question, within the parameters that I have outlined.

[dawny0826]

Assuming that there is such a thing as absolute truth (as I personally believe there is), how does God, assuming He exists (as I believe He does) expect us to find it?

Christ Jesus is absolute truth, as far as I'm concerned and scripture states the same. He is the light, the truth and the way. Therefore, when you've found Christ and you've made the choice to surrender yourself to Him...there really isn't any greater truth to search for.

Since it seems to me that God would want us to come to a know what is true and what isn't, why do we get supposedly conflicting answers when we ask Him for guidance.

I don't think there's an issue at all with God's messages. I think the issue lies in how we interpret and understand the answers that we receive.

But when we're asking God for guidance, I'd say that on a personal level...we're going to receive unique answers as to how we should apply God's Word to our lives because we're each unique. Only God knows our hearts. Only God God knows our true potential and our true desire, therefore God will counsel us accordingingly.

On a large scare though, I don't really think that there's a conflicting message of what the TRUTH is. We've been told very plainly that Jesus Christ is the truth...He is the Way. He is the message. He is the answer.

IIf we are sincere in our search for truth, why do you suppose God isn't giving all of us the same answers?

What types of questions are we asking?

I think it's important to look closely at WHAT is being asked. As I've stated, I believe that God will speak to us on a very personal level. He teaches us. He guides us. He chastises us, when necessary. He reveals awesome things to us when we read the Word and we seek His hand over everything that we do.

When it comes to religions...I think we're at fault for creating confusion. We're human. It's kind of par for the course.

[Guitar's Cry]

I think that God would want us to look "within ourselves," by which I mean discover that absolute truth through your own experiences and perceptions. One of the reasons why there are so many different form of spirituality (even within the same spiritual belief) is because each individual's interpretation of meaning is going to be different.

By seeking the path yourself, you are showing an interest and dedication in the journey and goal. Even if the goal is never reached, you gain the journey, which is perhaps just as important.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by dawny0826

Christ Jesus is absolute truth, as far as I'm concerned as as far as the Bible is concerned. He is the light, the truth and the way. Therefore, when you've found Christ and you've made the choice to surrender yourself to Him...there really isn't any greater truth to search for.

But if you're a Muslim, it's not that clear at all. Islam is the second largest of the world's religions, and there are millions of Muslims who believe Jesus was a great man and a prophet. We can't just assume that the reason they don't believe He was literally the Son of God and our Savior has anything to do with the lack of sincere desire to believe what's right. They haven't chosen Islam as a means of rebelling against Christianity, but because to them it is the "absolute truth."

But when we're asking God for guidance, I'd say that on a personal level...we're going to receive unique answers to how we should apply God's Word to our lives because we're each unique. Only God knows our hearts. Only God God knows our true potential and our true desire, therefore God will counsel us accordingingly.

I suspect that's the best answer I'm going to hear from anybody.

On a large scare though, I don't really think that there's a conflicting message of what the TRUTH is. We've been told very plainly that Jesus Christ is the truth...He is the Way. He is the message. He is the answer.

Yes, that's plain to you and it's plain to me. But it's not plain to a lot of other people. Why isn't it?

[dawny0826]

But if you're a Muslim, it's not that clear at all.

I'm a Christian, so you know I'm going to answer as such.

I don't think it's really a clarity issue. Muslims that I've encountered choose to view Christ as a prophet and nothing more. They understand that Christ is so much more to Christians but choose to walk another path.

Islam is the second largest of the world's religions, and there are millions of Muslims who believe Jesus was a great man and a prophet. We can't just assume that the reason they don't believe He was literally the Son of God and our Savior has anything to do with the lack of sincere desire to believe what's right.

I don't assume that their lack of belief in Christ's divinity is a result of a lack of sincere belief.

Still, I don't believe that this null and voids the fact that Christ is the truth.

They haven't chosen Islam as a means of rebelling against Christianity, but because to them it is the "absolute truth."

I'm not Muslim but if I would I wouldn't view Islam as being the "absolute truth". God would be the "absolute truth".

I suspect that's the best answer I'm going to hear from anybody.

I'm editing.

I believe that we're each responsible for striving to obey God and live according to His will for our lives. We can only do the best that we can do and seek God on a personal level. Whoever you are, wherever you all...I think we can all do that.

Yes, that's plain to you and it's plain to me. But it's not plain to a lot of other people. Why isn't it?

I don't know Kathryn. But God does. I think we each, regardless of faith, should live to love and care for each other and should have faith in God.

I try to think like this...God's got it under control. It's God's job to worry about the whys and the hows. It's my job to trust Him.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by dawny0826

I'm a Christian, so you know I'm going to answer as such.

Of course you are. But we're just going around in circles with no answers we can all agree on. Doesn't God want us all to get it right?

I don't think it's really a clarity issue. Muslims that I've encountered choose to view Christ as a prophet and nothing more. They understand that Christ is so much more to Christians but choose to walk another path.

Yes, they've chosen to walk another path because they devoutly believe that it is the path God wants us all to choose, just as you and I believe Christianity is the path God wants us all to choose.

I'm not Muslim but if I would I wouldn't view Islam as being the "absolute truth". God would be the "absolute truth".

Okay, well I'm pretty sure all Muslims would agree with you there, as would all Christians. But when we get down to an understanding of who God really is, that's where their "absolute truth" contradicts our "absolute truth."

I believe that we're each responsible for striving to obey God and live according to His will for our lives. We can only do the best that we can do and seek God on a personal level. Whoever you are, wherever you all...I think we can all do that.

I can go along with that. Do you think that's enough, though, for those who do their best but make the "wrong" choice?