Random Thought

[nailit]

If I *need* (why would I need?) to believe in a God for whatever reason (Eternal life. Avoiding eternal hell etc) then how could I be sure that the God that I believed in would be the one?
If 'God' himself appeared to me how could I be sure that this entity would indeed be the God of truth and not some impersonating spirit/delusion/demon/ etc?
Ive sometimes been asked what would turn me into a believer.
The answer is that I don't know.
But any God who cares enough about me WOULD know.
After 53 yrs on this Earth, I can only conclude that
1) God doesn't want me (or he would show me that he exists...no questions asked)
2) God doesn't exist

Either way, the problem is not mine.

[Buenchico]

The world's great philosophers: Socrates, Plato, Descartes, Rousseau, Nietzsche, Sartre . . . and Nailit ;-)

Sorry, I just can't resist this!

[david small]

Your chasing yourself around in circles nailit. Forget mans interpretations of Religious credentials. Just let go of all opinions, open yourself up to receive God in a none judgemental attitude. God is love eternal, not a correction deity that prevents evil or accidents. God is within you. It’s You that suppress that experience.

[david small]

Naughty Chris, but funny.

[vetuste_ennemi]

"A lovely little thinker, but a b****r when he's p****d."

Beautiful stuff.

[nailit]

//Your chasing yourself around in circles nailit. Forget mans interpretations of Religious credentials.//
I have.
// Just let go of all opinions, open yourself up to receive God in a none judgemental attitude. God is love eternal//
And just how would I know that?
How COULD I know that?

[nailit]

BTW, LOL Chris ;-)

[nailit]

//open yourself up to receive God in a none judgemental attitude//
HOW?
How could I NOT be judgmental to the Bible god for instance?
Its a bleeding monster...
opposed to everything that I stand for.

[nailit]

//It’s You that suppress that experience//
And how would you know this?

[david small]

Forget the bible. It’s a history book, and religious propaganda. Don’t use other people’s words for guidance. Use your heart to talk to the still small voice that is your soul. You have to let go of your ego and opinions.

[david small]

I was once fortunate to experience God’s love. It blew my metaphorical socks off.

[naomi24]

David, What happened?

[Old_Geezer]

You wouldn't need to know. You start by believing in a God of first creation and not care what name or form. You've found your God. Then if one appeared to you, you don't want to annoy them, they MUST be the God as far as you are concerned.

Your 2 criteria ain't covering it. There may be vital reasons why you mustn't know for sure and expect it to always save your life etc. while you're here. I doubt the problem is your God's either.

[david small]

Welcome naomi24. Years ago while meditating upon various personal matters. I Experienced a profound and deeply moving spiritual experience. Touched by God, so to speak. I asked and an answer was given, beyond my power of description. It was a pure, deep, it filled me to overwhelming. A highly emotional moment that stayed with me for as long as I wanted. I found it too much, and deliberately restricted further experience.

[nailit]

People have 'profound' experiences...that I do not doubt.
But how WOULD you know that, that experience was God and not a delusion/demonic and lying spirit/ a psychological experience etc?

Theres no way of knowing.
The Bible itself tells us that the heart is deceitful of all things and that Satan himself appears as an angel of light....ergo, I can not be held responsible for any misgivings. Because I cannot be held responsible for been decieived!

If There is a God, then only *IT* knows how to convince me of its existance. Because *I* havnt a clue...

[nailit]

//You start by believing in a God of first creation and not care what name or form.//
And why would I do that?
Why would I not start by believing that Zeus was a cause of first creation? Or Krishna?

[nailit]

//You start by believing in a God of first creation//
Why would I even need to start there?

[Old_Geezer]

Got to start somewhere and the beginning is a good choice.

If you want to label your new found God Zeus or Krishna or Sid, you are free to do so. Why would your God object ?

[nailit]

//If you want to label your new found God Zeus or Krishna or Sid, you are free to do so. Why would your God object ? //

You are the one telling me that I need a God.
I couldn't care less about a name.
No God. No name!

[Old_Geezer]

You started by saying "If I need..."
No one is telling you that you need, that was your initial premise.

[david small]

Recall what I said about abandoning ALL preconceived beliefs and religious instruction. Stop relying upon other people’s misconceptions. You don’t need to be told, or shown. You already know.