Religious Folk: Answer (Jesus Christ, testimony, Earth, gospel, mystic)

[The Seeker]

My knowledge isn't based on feelings but direct communication.

How can you have direct communication with a God that doesn't communicate back to you?

[Mister Emu]

How can you have direct communication with a God that doesn't communicate back to you?

Because He did?
Or something did.
Or I am crazy.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Sportman

I consider myself agnostic, only because I cannot disprove the existence of a God(s).

But my question to religious people, is how do you justify your beliefs when there are so many differing views, even within a single sect!

The only response the religious can effectively come up with is they have FAITH in God. This is made plausible by saying something along the lines of 'faith is like love ... I cannot prove it with science, but I know it exists, I can FEEL it ...'

I can accept that much. But what people have to understand, that this is the same feeling people of all religions have. They ALL feel and 'KNOW' on the inside that their God/Gods exist. Many religions, such as Christianity, Islam Judaism DO NOT allow for other Gods. So, straight away millions of people outside of these religions must be wrong on order for them to be right.

Then, looking at Christianity, Judaism and Islam. They all believe in the same God, yet feel he wants to be worshipped in different ways. If any of these is right, that means BILLIONS of others were wrong. Then don't get me started on the different views within a single religion, which simply change to adapt with contemporary society.

How can anyone justify themselves and their belief when faced with this? The chances of being correct, logically are astronomical. Look forward to responses.

First of all, great thread! I say that because I started a similar one awhile back myself. Here's what I said in my OP:

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?

[bflydad]

Originally Posted by 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?

I think it is sort of like different languages. If you know English, Spanish, and French then hello, buenos dios, and bonjour all mean the same thing. But if you only know one language then the other two words are just so much gibberish.

[Scuba Pete]

Originally Posted by The Seeker

he would have given us clear instructions on how to do so.

He did: "Love each other even as I have loved you!" Nothing could be simpler or more challenging.

[standing_alone]

Originally Posted by Scuba Pete

Frubals on your head for this. I am the same way. You either choose love or give in to hate. You choose God by choosing love: the denomination/creed/sect doesn't matter as much as serving your fellow man.

I think I've probably misunderstood your point here (or read into it too much), but can one choose love without choosing God? Or do those who reject belief in God (for themselves) give in to hate?

[Scuba Pete]

Originally Posted by standing_alone

I think I've probably misunderstood your point here (or read into it too much), but can one choose love without choosing God? Or do those who reject belief in God (for themselves) give in to hate?

God doesn't care if you acknowledge him as MUCH as he wants you to love others.

Matthew 25:37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' NIV

[standing_alone]

Originally Posted by Scuba Pete

God doesn't care if you acknowledge him as MUCH as he wants you to love others.

Matthew 25:37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' NIV

Ah, I gotcha. I really respect and like your concept of God. I wish more of the believers I've personally encountered had a similar approach as yours.

[Scuba Pete]

That's Jesus' concept of God: I just adopted it.