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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by calamityjane on February 16, 2007, at 22:06:19
I am scared about God and who he really is.
I dont think he is what we think he is. There are only two possiblities in my mind concerning God --1. If he made this world on purpose he is a pretty scary God. (why would anybody intentionally create such an evil world??) ( and I dont by into the whole "he doesnt want it to be like this" line. if he doesnt want it to be like this, then why does it stay like this?? If he really was as sad about the world's condition as people claim, then he would demolish it for us and put us out of our misery.
2. If he didnt mean for the world to turn out this way, if it was just an accident, then I am still just as terrified of him. an accidental world would mean God is not as powerful as we think he is, and has created a world beyond his means of conrol.
Posted by Lou PIlder on February 17, 2007, at 9:16:59
In reply to I am terrified of God, I think., posted by calamityjane on February 16, 2007, at 22:06:19
> I am scared about God and who he really is.
> I dont think he is what we think he is. There are only two possiblities in my mind concerning God --
>
> 1. If he made this world on purpose he is a pretty scary God. (why would anybody intentionally create such an evil world??) ( and I dont by into the whole "he doesnt want it to be like this" line. if he doesnt want it to be like this, then why does it stay like this?? If he really was as sad about the world's condition as people claim, then he would demolish it for us and put us out of our misery.
>
> 2. If he didnt mean for the world to turn out this way, if it was just an accident, then I am still just as terrified of him. an accidental world would mean God is not as powerful as we think he is, and has created a world beyond his means of conrol.Friends,
It is written here,[...I don't think he is what >we< think he (god) is..there are >only< two possibilities...if he made this world on purpose..he is a ..scary God..{...intentionally create...}.such an evil world...I don't like the whole..{XXX}..line...as people claim..he would..put us out...an accidental world..beyond his control...].This brings up many questions.
A. who are those that comprise the set of people in {we}, in [what {we} think he is]?
B. In the statement ,{there are >only< two possibilities},could there not be more than two possibilities? If not, why not?
C. Did God >intentionally< |create| an evil world? If so, what is the rationale that one could use to substantiate such?
D. Why would an accidental world mean that God is not as powerfull as we think he is? What is a rationale to mean that God has >created< a world beyond his means of control, even if the creation was an accident?
E. Other questions that could arrise from the text.
Lou
Posted by calamityjane on February 17, 2007, at 10:11:38
In reply to Lou's response to aspects of cj's post-olytwopos? » calamityjane, posted by Lou PIlder on February 17, 2007, at 9:16:59
it was either an accident or on purpose -
I dont see any other possibilities.
If God can make mistakes too, then he is not as powerful as the bible tells us he is.
If God MEANT to create this world the way it is, then he is not as good as the Bible tells us he is
Posted by Lou PIlder on February 17, 2007, at 13:01:34
In reply to Re: Lou's response to aspects of cj's post-olytwopos?, posted by calamityjane on February 17, 2007, at 10:11:38
> it was either an accident or on purpose -
>
> I dont see any other possibilities.
>
> If God can make mistakes too, then he is not as powerful as the bible tells us he is.
>
> If God MEANT to create this world the way it is, then he is not as good as the Bible tells us he iscj,
you wrote,[...If God MEANT to create this world the way it is,>{then he is (not as good) as the |Bibile| tells us he is}<...]
Could you clarify the following?
A. What bible referrence are you referring to?
If you could cite that referrence, then I could have the opportunity to respond accordingly.
Lou
Posted by calamityjane on February 17, 2007, at 17:25:20
In reply to Lou's request for clarification to cj-gudenuf? » calamityjane, posted by Lou PIlder on February 17, 2007, at 13:01:34
The Christian bible...where God is said to perfect, correct? What if perfect means one thing to him, and something totally different to us? What if perfect equals cruel?
Posted by Lou PIlder on February 17, 2007, at 20:02:02
In reply to Re: Lou's request for clarification to cj-gudenuf?, posted by calamityjane on February 17, 2007, at 17:25:20
> The Christian bible...where God is said to perfect, correct? What if perfect means one thing to him, and something totally different to us? What if perfect equals cruel?
cj,
You wrote,[...where God is said to (be?) perfect...].
Could you cite which verse in particular that are yor referrencing?
Lou
Posted by Lou PIlder on February 17, 2007, at 20:27:08
In reply to Lou's request for clarification to cj-whchver? » calamityjane, posted by Lou PIlder on February 17, 2007, at 20:02:02
> > The Christian bible...where God is said to perfect, correct? What if perfect means one thing to him, and something totally different to us? What if perfect equals cruel?
>
> cj,
> You wrote,[...where God is said to (be?) perfect...].
> Could you cite which verse in particular that are yor referrencing?
> Loucj,
I do not have a great understanding of all the verses in the bible, but I do know of many that describe the nature and character of the God in the Bibile.
You wrote ,[...what if perfect is equal to cruel?...].
That could be a very spacific verse out of many verses that speak to the nature and character of the God in the bibile.
I do not know of any verse in the bible that I can connect to that God being cruel and being associated with being perfect, if that is what you mean.
I guess that I am lost here in my understanding of what you are writing and I will bow out of this discussion, reluctantly, untill perhaps others continue with it and more understanding is available to me.
Lou
Posted by calamityjane on February 17, 2007, at 20:48:36
In reply to Lou's request for clarification to cj-estop, posted by Lou PIlder on February 17, 2007, at 20:27:08
Basically, all I was saying was that since God created the world, and since the world is so darn screwed up (with people killing one another, abusing children, stealing from others, betraying other people, etc) we can think one of two things about the Creator:
1- he did not mean for this to happen - it was a mistake he made.
2- he knew the world would be this way from the moment he created it. and he did it anyway. knowing he was creating something that would put us, his "children" through so much pain. (which people often excuse by saying "god has a plan")Trust me - I wrote this for answers. Anything you say is interesting to me - I am desperate, to some extent, for someone to come along and tell me something that will bring back all of the faith in God that I once had. I WANT to trust God. I am just so confused right now.
I want to understand why bad things happen in this world, and why so many bad things have happened to my family. I want to know why God hasnt protected me from the world, since I am supposed to be his "child"/
Posted by Lou PIlder on February 17, 2007, at 21:29:50
In reply to Re: Lou's request for clarification to cj-estop, posted by calamityjane on February 17, 2007, at 20:48:36
> Basically, all I was saying was that since God created the world, and since the world is so darn screwed up (with people killing one another, abusing children, stealing from others, betraying other people, etc) we can think one of two things about the Creator:
> 1- he did not mean for this to happen - it was a mistake he made.
> 2- he knew the world would be this way from the moment he created it. and he did it anyway. knowing he was creating something that would put us, his "children" through so much pain. (which people often excuse by saying "god has a plan")
>
> Trust me - I wrote this for answers. Anything you say is interesting to me - I am desperate, to some extent, for someone to come along and tell me something that will bring back all of the faith in God that I once had. I WANT to trust God. I am just so confused right now.
>
> I want to understand why bad things happen in this world, and why so many bad things have happened to my family. I want to know why God hasnt protected me from the world, since I am supposed to be his "child"/cj,
You wrote,[...anything you say is interesting to me..someone to tell me..I want to understand..want to know why..I am..(H)is child...]
In our previous dialog, where I got lost is around where you introduced a bible verse that, I guess, you thought that I knew of. Since I do not know of the verse that you mean, I thought that this discussion was for those that knew of the verse that you mean and that the disscussion could not include me.
I guess if we put that out of our discussion for now, I could rejoin this discussion with the infomation in your post above, for there is interest by me in your concerns about the bible God.
Your concern as to that you want to understand why God hasn't protected you {from the world} could be a starting point in this discussion.
Here in Cincinnati, there was an ice storm. The ice fell on the just and the unjust. But there is much more than that that I see in your concerns. Is one of your concerns that if there is tribulation in the world, how can one be of good-cheer?
Lou
Posted by rayww on February 17, 2007, at 23:33:56
In reply to I am terrified of God, I think., posted by calamityjane on February 16, 2007, at 22:06:19
If good brought about good and bad brought about bad, the world would be easy to figure out. Good can be found in the midst of bad, and bad is found in the midst of good.
I am sorry you are going through whatever is bad in your life that is causing you pain. You can find good in the midst of that bad if you search. What you wrote in your OP is the same as searching. If you can have a tiny bit of faith, enough to pray and ask God those things you asked us, you will be on the right track. I know God hears and answers sincere prayers that are offered in faith,
faith that you hope he is there,
and hope that he has enough love for you that he will answer your prayer.God = faith, hope, and charity.
Posted by Lou PIlder on February 18, 2007, at 15:28:30
In reply to Re: Lou's request for clarification to cj-estop, posted by calamityjane on February 17, 2007, at 20:48:36
> Basically, all I was saying was that since God created the world, and since the world is so darn screwed up (with people killing one another, abusing children, stealing from others, betraying other people, etc) we can think one of two things about the Creator:
> 1- he did not mean for this to happen - it was a mistake he made.
> 2- he knew the world would be this way from the moment he created it. and he did it anyway. knowing he was creating something that would put us, his "children" through so much pain. (which people often excuse by saying "god has a plan")
>
> Trust me - I wrote this for answers. Anything you say is interesting to me - I am desperate, to some extent, for someone to come along and tell me something that will bring back all of the faith in God that I once had. I WANT to trust God. I am just so confused right now.
>
> I want to understand why bad things happen in this world, and why so many bad things have happened to my family. I want to know why God hasnt protected me from the world, since I am supposed to be his "child"/cj,
You wrote,[...he (God)knew the world would...put >us<..through so much pain...was creating something {people}..excuse by saying "God has a plan"...].
Could you clarify the following from what you wrote above?
A. Are you saying that God does not have a plan?
B. Who are the {people} that you are referring to in your post that are {making the excuse}?
C. Are you saying that the {people} in your post that accept the tribulations in life as being part of God's plan to them, are making excuses for the tribulation, for in your view it is not a part of God's plan?
D. In your use of {us}, who are the people that you are referring to?
Lou
Posted by calamityjane on February 18, 2007, at 22:06:21
In reply to Re: I am terrified of God, I think. » calamityjane, posted by rayww on February 17, 2007, at 23:33:56
I havent prayed in a long long time- I guess I have been on "non-speaking terms" for awhile. I should try again, though. You think God really answers people when they pray? in what way? (just curious)
> If good brought about good and bad brought about bad, the world would be easy to figure out. Good can be found in the midst of bad, and bad is found in the midst of good.
>
> I am sorry you are going through whatever is bad in your life that is causing you pain. You can find good in the midst of that bad if you search. What you wrote in your OP is the same as searching. If you can have a tiny bit of faith, enough to pray and ask God those things you asked us, you will be on the right track. I know God hears and answers sincere prayers that are offered in faith,
> faith that you hope he is there,
> and hope that he has enough love for you that he will answer your prayer.
>
> God = faith, hope, and charity.
Posted by rayww on February 19, 2007, at 0:50:45
In reply to Re: I am terrified of God, I think., posted by calamityjane on February 18, 2007, at 22:06:21
> I havent prayed in a long long time- I guess I have been on "non-speaking terms" for awhile. I should try again, though. You think God really answers people when they pray? in what way? (just curious)
<<When God answers a prayer it feels like a personal miracle. You need to be aware of your surroundings and of what is actually happening to see it. An answer can come in the form of peace or it can be more direct. It might not be the answer you want, and it might come in a way you don't expect. I don't know how He will answer your prayer, but I know He will. In case you are worried, God is very loving and kind, and He wants to bless us with good gifts.
Satan teaches that we don't need to pray, and he makes it difficult by sending temptation and trouble our way. If you can focus your thoughts on God that's all you need to do.
God understands feelings. For instance some times I feel gratitude, or love, or hurt, or grief, and I can zero in on those feelings in prayer, and they will be understood. I have had negative feelings replaced with peace. I have difficulty with words since my stroke. A lot of my prayers are mumble jumble, a mixture of sentance fragments, with feelings. I think it is important to begin a prayer by addressing the one to whom you are praying "Our Father Which art in Heaven" and when you are finished, end it with "Amen". Don't leave it open ended, be specific. If you believe in Jesus Christ, end your prayer "In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen". Some don't believe in Jesus Christ, so they would end with "Amen".
Let me know what happens when you have faith to humble yourself enough to say a prayer to God. I think it would be good for people to know.
Key elements of prayer:
faith - that there is a God
hope - that he will hear and answer you
humility - to admit he could be more powerful than you
Posted by madeline on February 19, 2007, at 20:15:57
In reply to I am terrified of God, I think., posted by calamityjane on February 16, 2007, at 22:06:19
Well, if you believe the bible then god did NOT create the world in this way. It was created as a perfect place - Eden.
He basically gave humans the choice (eat the fruit, or don't) and the rest is our doing.
I'm also not sure that being faithful to God ensures an easy life (Look at Job). But I do think it means that you have access to the strength to endure whatever does come your way.
Maddie
Posted by spriggy on February 25, 2007, at 22:20:19
In reply to Re: I am terrified of God, I think. » calamityjane, posted by madeline on February 19, 2007, at 20:15:57
Fearing God is not a bad thing.
In fact, if you believe the bible, " The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom."
So it just shows that you are wise.
As far as God's involvement in this evil world and it's creation;
God created the earth (and the stars in the sky).
He created man and breathed life into him.
God gave man free will to either chose A) right-life
B) wrong-sinMan/woman chose "wrong/sin" and thus, "evil" then entered into this world.
God has ultimate control of this earth; " The earth is the Lord's and all that belongs in it" according to the Psalms.
God created earth for the purpose of placing people on it to make a family for Himself.
He created this place for us... for me.. and for you.. so that we might come to know Him (not just fear Him), and understand His faithful, never ending love for us- His creation.
It's not a mistake. This earth- none of us are.
Darkness/evil exists... yes. That part does not belong to God- for God is good and holy.
But with believing in good- you also believe in evil.
So understanding there is a God, there is also one that controls evil/darkness.
God is still more powerful.
This is the end of the thread.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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