defining vs. trusting
Aug 13th, 2010 by Nathanael
Two things have happened recently that got me thinking. Both of them involve people we know who are on opposite ends of the theological spectrum. In both cases, the individuals appear to believe that they’ve defined God from the scriptures. And they are adamantly moving forward on that assumption, to the degree that if you do not agree with their definition, then you are wrong. Period.
Part of the problem with “defining” God is that we are limited by 3 dimensions and by our 5 senses. Unless you see dead people. And God is not bound by these limits.
And it’s not just that we create God in our own image. But rather that we cannot even begin to comprehend this being who is above and over and in all things, and who is also here with us and in us. God is God. As we study His attributes within the scripture, a healthy dose of humility is required, or else we latch onto that one attribute that most closely resembles the God we want to worship. And we minimize those attributes that seems to oppose this God we’ve created in our image.
God is not limited to nor defined by my little perception.
“Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.”
(Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV)
Enter faith. Faith says that, even though I may not understand God, I trust Him. Even though the world around me is crumbling or prospering, that is no indication of God’s wrath or of His favor. He is God.
His limitlessness (is that a word?) should not lead us to despair. Instead it should prompt us to worship Him, and to seek to know and trust Him more.
I’m just tired of some Christians who think they have a corner on God, and then attack those who don’t agree with them.
God is God.
I am not.
word, yo.
God is an old man with a great white beard who can smite you from the sky. Hell is hot a firery because its based on the grecko/roman underworld which is hot and firely. Hell is below because that’s where Hades was banished to whille Zeus, aka God, was left in the sky. Christianity is a mashup of multiple religions. Did you know every religion has a virgin who miracuasly gave birth to the savior? Christianity is a smorgasborg of all these things. Esspecially when Constantine Decided it was in his peoples best interest to merge polytheistic roman thought with the growing number of monotheistic christians. Hence Christmas being on the day the romans believed was the Winter Solstice. Approach your faith woth an open mind and educate ytourself and you will be amazed what you can learn.
As far as defining your Christian God, ask a muslim, or Jew, Or an old ass Roman, you all have the same God. Amen.
Thanks, Ben.
Andrew, thanks for visiting this site and taking the time to comment. Methinks you’ve been burned by Christianity. You start off the list with some stereotypes to which not all followers of Jesus adhere. And this comment “Did you know every religion has a virgin who miracuasly[sic] gave birth to the savior?” is a slight exaggeration. I do know that many other religions, especially those around the time that Jesus was born, believe this. But “every religion” is quite a stretch. Let’s keep the broad strokes for barn-painting.
As far as your last comment, I’m going to have to respectfully disagree…unless the Muslim, Jew and Roman all believe that Jesus is the living God.
I do appreciate you commenting on my site. And I sent you an email.
Have a great weekend.
Shalom
I like your last 2 statements