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"I am vibing with the 'OM'('Aum') lately if you notice my avatar,.....exploring my more eastern side, flowing with the Tao. Its very integral/holistic for me,....my experience with the All,....for there is only One. All is here, here is All. In this Unity of Being, in realms known and unknown....the Universe is One Family,....originating from the Father/Mother source..."

Response to comment [from other]: "A slightly broader perspective using the concepts of the Ascended Master schools."

One person who came out of this movement stated: "I remembered a verse I’d read somewhere in the Bible: “The Lord is my righteousness [Ps 17:1].” I began to see — possibly for the first time — that the very holiness that must in justice consume me, can be imputed to me as a gift from God! What an incredible realization this was. This was utterly against every principle and tenet of New Age spirituality.

During this time, a verse I did not even know I had memorized came to my mind: “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). I felt a combination of relief and terror at this memory. How could all my twelve years of occult involvement have been a spiritual placebo, I wondered?

Revelation 3:20 surfaced in my mind the same way: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with Me.” Jesus Christ was alive and well and knocking at my door! And this was most assuredly not the Ascended Master Jesus Christ. This was the real live Person! I was now willing to dismantle my altars to false gods; to put away The Bhagavad Gita and the I Ching..." Full text: Delivered from Twelve Years of Occult Bondage

Response to comment [from other]: "the Ascended Master schools because they are now very much "Old Age", not New Age. As to your polemics... this thread is not about polemics. If you genuinely want to discuss anything - fine. If you want a fight go elsewhere."

I'm not trying to fight. I'm trying to understand. What are your thoughts on Ps 17:1, Ac 4:12, Re 3:20? Would your reaction be the same as the writer that I quoted? Does the Bible hold any authority for you? Many of the ideas from the New Age movement are merely old heresies. If the Bible does hold authority for you, we are to love our creator with all our heart, soul and mind (Mt 22:37). The Bible claims that there is one way to heaven and to think otherwise leads one to hell (Jn 14:6). Christianity is either right or it is wrong.

If all is God, then nothing is God. The Bible teaches that God is the creator and we are his creation (Ge 1:1).

[Christians embracing New Age] "[I]t comes down to personal revelation and being true to one's Self at any moment along the journey."

If one is a Christian, he is forever a Christian (1 Jn 5:13, Isa 45:17; 51:6; Heb 5:9). Salvation is in Christ alone (Isa 45:21,22; 59:16; Ac 4:12). It is not possible for a person to be a Christian and then not a Christian. A person is either born again or he is not (Jn 3:3). If he is truly born again, there will be evidence in his life (Eze 36:29).

Pride hinders a person from knowing God (Ps 10:4; Ho 7:10). It is a characteristic of false teachers (1Ti 6:3,4) and the wicked (Hab 2:4,5; Ro 1:30). It comes from the heart (Mr 7:21-23). It leads men to deceive themselves (Jer 49:16; Ob 1:3).

I am not saying that you believe this. I am just wondering if you believe anything like this. You may not.

"[N]either myself nor John is currently involved within a cult-group where mind-control techniques are being practiced."

No one thinks they are being deceived or controlled. Our worldviews have consequences. I believed for example that I was a Christian my whole life. But I learned that I had been mislead. Do you believe that there is a devil? If so, do you believe that he is capable of deceiving us (considering the fact that he's been around for thousands of years and is very good at deception?)

Have you ever heard a news story and thought to yourself "How can people even think of such evil things?" I imagine that there are demons who have been locked up for some time, simmering in their sin. I can't image what thoughts and plans of evil they have.

"From my own knowledge of New Thought and as a Divine Science Graduate,...I found the treatment by this author pretty biased and narrow-minded, flush with semantics and curious interpretations, falling back of course on the spearhead of 'Christian apologetics'. However it shows the lack of understanding of the teaching itself convoluted by the impositions of a strict dogmatic interpretation of the Bible, - showcasing of a lack of spiritual insight, understanding or expanding of consciousness, for its own 'version' of 'orthodox theology'.

Now, the subject of this thread is primarily teachings from ET sources, but New Thought/New Age and other metaphysical teachings certainly integrate and overlap here. Divine Reality, and the Infinite Intelligence that is 'God' is Universal. We find ourselves within this Great Collective of Light, a Matrix of evolving consciousness. We are moving forward upon entering the Next Dimension. Holding to old models and paradigms may hinder us, hence the essential of receiving current revelation to inspire and uplift us to the thresh-hold of our next conversion."

If you believe that God is universal, then what is the problem with the world? Knowledge? The Bible teaches that the problem with the world is sin. God is angry with the wicked every day (Ps 7:11). God is holy (Ex 15:11; 1Sa 2:2). His holiness is revealed by his character (Ps 22:3; Joh 17:11), his name (Isa 57:15; Luk 1:49), His words (Ps 60:6; Jer 23:9), his works (Ps 145:17) and his kingdom (Ps 47:8; Mt 13:41; Re 21:27; 1Co 6:9,10).

Response to comment: [Many of the ideas from the New Age movement are merely old heresies.] "[T]his is you "not trying to fight", is it?"

How do you know that New Age thinking is not an old heresy? Can't people be deceived? (2 Ti 3:13). Especially if they do not test all things by the word of God? (1 Thes 5:21).

Response to comment [from Hindu]: "God is a Universal Spirit reality. God's love pervades the entirety of infinity, and all life is to be seen from an evolutional viewpoint, as all worlds, galaxies, solar systems are following along the spiral of progression, along the currents of divine Will, according to a great and glorious Plan and destiny of endless potentials and possibilities..."

Is there an objective source what you believe? The Bible has been proven to be true throughout the centuries. No other holy book can claim that. Jesus claimed to be a supernatural being who comes from God with a message from God. What do you think of his message?--that men are sinners who cannot help themselves. They must humble themselves before God, and repent of their sin. Jesus promises life with him in heaven to those who trust in him (Jn 14:6). The Bible does not teach that we live again (e.g. reincarnation). Men live once, choose Christ or do not, then die (2 Cor 5:8).

"Take off your filters, preconceptions, and 'beliefs' and approach with an clean slate."

Do you believe that life must be lived over until we rid ourselves of bad Karma? If you do, wouldn't it be cruel to live over and over? Do you think it is possible for men to come up with alternative ideas about God so that they never have to address their sin? Do you believe that there is one Creator (Ge 1:1) who men are responsible to?

"You are 'presuming' that the 'Bible' is the ground rock and finality of Truth that everything 'must' be tested by, - this is not the viewpoint of the higher cosmic perspective which sees the Universality of Truth within the Totality. Expand your template. 'God' is not so confined, circumscribed or qualified, as some religious minds would suppose. 'God' is INFINITE."

If God is who you says he is, is he able to communicate with men? How would a holy God communicate with man? How he deal with men who disobey him? Would he keep true to himself (not winking at sin) and find a way to reconcile mankind to himself?

Response to comment: "'God' is. Since 'God' is light, He is the origin, conveyer, articulator of all knowledge, information. 'God' dwells within the soul and by spiritual presences and forces within and without... guides him along the course of his soulic evolution.

Again,...concepts of 'sin', 'redemption', 'blood atonement' are theological conventions of language (OT/NT) and confined to certain belief-systems within those cult-ures, and in context to our universal teaching is 'irrelevant' when referencing the Totality of knowledge, why? - because such definitions do not represent the whole truth of the greater cosmic continuum..."

How does one come to know truth with so many sects in Hinduism? Who or what can you trust as a source? Do you trust th Upanishads and the Bhagavad-Gita? Is God personal? Can men know him? The Bible describes God as a person. He got personally involved with his creation. The God of the Bible loves his creation and proved it by dying for them while they were yet sinners (Ro 5:8). Do you appreciate the exceeding sinfulness of sin? Why did Jesus die on the cross in your view?

Who was Jesus? He did not claim to be "a" son of God. He claimed to be "the" son of God, the Father--the second person of the trinity (Jn 10:30). The doctrine of the Bible differs with that of Hinduism (Mt 3:16,17; 28:19; Ro 8:9; 1Co 12:3-6; 2Co 13:14; Eph 4:4-6; 1Pe 1:2; Jude 1:20,21; Re 1:4,5). Which is correct? Was Jesus wrong about himself?

"[T]he Bible, Vedas, Gita, Koran, Tao Te Ching, and other religious 'scriptures' all have truths to share..."

Only the Bible has been proven true throughout history. Do you put equal weights in writings that disagree on issues of: Who God is; Who Jesus is; Who the Holy Spirit is; How one is saved; What happens after death--How could they all be correct? Jesus said only he is correct (Jn 14:6).

Eternal life can only come from an eternal God. Wouldn't it be cruel to live over and over trying to rid ourselves of Karma? The Bible says that we can know that we are going to heaven with certainty by putting trust in Jesus (Ro 8:16). The plan is to be rid of sin forever. Not revisit it all over again.

Response to comment [from a Hindu]: "'God' alone who is the Source, substance and creative intelligence of mind is thinking/conceiving and ever creating the substance of all form that exists. 'God' is Self-evident, as the Light behind "I" (of the 'I Am'),... all is being 'known' thru this Living Awareness. This 'Light' is Knowledge."

Light is used figuratively and symbolically in the Bible (1 Kin. 11:36; Psa. 27:1; Psa. 119:105,130; Prov. 6:23; Eccl. 2:13; Isa. 8:20; Isa. 49:6; Isa. 58:8; Isa. 60:19, 20; Matt. 4:16; Matt. 5:14, 16; Luke 2:32; Luke 11:34; Luke 16:8; John 1:4, 5, 7–9; John 3:19–21; John 5:35; John 8:12; John 9:5; John 12:35, 36; Acts 26:18; Eph. 5:8, 14; Phil. 2:15; 1 Thess. 5:5; 1 Tim. 6:16; Jas. 1:17; 1 Pet. 2:9; 2 Pet. 1:19; 1 John 1:5, 7; Rev. 21:23).

Jesus created light (Jn 1:3).

According to scripture, "I am" is a title for God indicating his self-existence. "I am" taught he is the only way to life (Jn 14:6).

"'[S]in/salvation/redemptive' mythology."

Was Jesus wrong when he spoke about sin? The Bible teaches us that sin separates us from God (Deut. 31:17, 18; Josh. 7:12; 2 Chr. 24:20; Job 13:24; Job 23:3, 8, 9; Psa. 78:59–61; Isa. 59:1, 2; Isa. 64:7; Ezek. 23:18; Hos. 9:12; Amos 3:2, 3; Mic. 3:4; Luke 13:27 Matt. 7:23; 25:41. Rom. 8:7; Heb. 12:14). Jesus spoke about hell more than anyone else in the Bible. Was he a victim of "redemptive mythology"?

[The Bible] "[W]ritings are only 'pointers' and 'descriptions' of a subjective and living Reality...[T]hat is 'God' ItSelf."

How is this God known? Do you put your trust in light itself? Are you interested in someone who claims to have created light (Jn 1:3)? How many light sources have proved their love to you (Ro 5:8)? How many light sources proved an ability to raise the dead to life?

"Truth speaks for itself, if a soul is open to it..."

Whose truth? I thought truth was subjective. Isn't your truth subject to my truth? If all religions are equally true then Christianity must be equally true. But how can that be? Christianity says all other religions are false. Are you open to the idea that sin is the problem with the world?

"'[S]oul' itself, that is already One with 'God' Source."

Jesus said we are not all one (Jn 8:44). The Bible teaches that we are one of two types spiritually--children of wrath or children of God (Eph 2:3). Why would the "gentle Jesus" say that? Was he wrong?

"I've shared my views amply on 'rebirth'...The soul on an eternal adventure of discovery, learning, progress and development...[it] evolves thru the continuum of experience...If you research and investigate appropriately...to compensate for ignorance. Self-education is a beautiful thing."

Reincarnation is not biblical (Job 7:9,10; 14:10,14). Is the Bible wrong? Spiritually, we are born dead--not connected at all (2Co 5:4; Eph 2:1,5). Jesus said we must be born again (Jn 3:3). Was he wrong?

The writers of the Bible claimed to have been inspired by God. Would they have been better of "self-educating"?

Jesus claimed to be the only source of truth (Jn 14:6). The fruits of truth are goodness, righteousness, and truth (Eph 5:9). Do you think that men could have used religion as a form of subjugation toward certain people groups (e.g. caste systems)?

Are you interested in freedom from the power of sin? (Ro 6:2,8,11; Col 3:3).

Response to comment [from other]: "That is incorrect. Jesus never claimed there was only one Son of God and that He was such. That is the lie introduced into Christianity that makes a mockery of Jesus' entire mission...Not one of the scriptures you post - including John 10:30, presents Jesus claiming He is the one and only Son of God."

"Son" is used figuratively in the Bible (e.g. of mankind’s relation to God, Ex. 4:22). Jesus claimed to be the one, preeminent Son of God:

Psa. 2:7; Psa. 89:26, 27; Matt. 3:17 Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22. Matt. 4:3, 6; Matt. 10:40; Matt. 11:27 Luke 10:22. Matt. 14:33; Matt. 15:13; Matt. 16:15–17; Matt. 17:5 Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35; 2 Pet. 1:17. Matt. 18:10, 19; Matt. 20:23; Matt. 21:37 Luke 20:13. Matt. 26:53, 63, 64; Matt. 27:43, 54; Mark 1:1; Mark 3:11; Mark 5:7 Luke 8:28. Mark 14:61, 62; Mark 15:39; Luke 1:32, 35; Luke 4:3, 9, 41; Luke 9:35; Luke 10:22; Luke 22:29, 70 Mark 14:61. John 1:1, 2, 14, 18, 34, 49, 50; John 3:16–18, 34–36; John 5:19–21, 23, 26, 27, 30, 32, 36, 37; John 6:27, 38, 40, 46, 57, 69; John 7:16, 28, 29; John 8:16, 19, 26–29, 38, 40, 42, 49, 54; John 9:35–37; John 10:15, 17, 18, 29, 30, 36–38; John 11:4, 27, 41; John 12:49, 50; John 13:3; John 14:7, 9–11, 13, 16, 20, 24, 28, 31; John 15:1, 8–10, 23, 24; John 16:5, 15, 27, 28, 32; John 17:1 vs. 1–26.; John 19:7; John 20:17, 21, 31; Acts 3:13; Acts 13:33; Rom. 1:3, 4, 9; Rom. 8:3, 29, 32; 1 Cor. 1:9; 1 Cor. 15:24, 27, 28; 2 Cor. 1:3, 19; Gal. 1:16; Gal. 4:4; Eph. 1:3; Eph. 3:14; Col. 1:3, 15, 19; Col. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:10; Heb. 1:1–3, 5; Heb. 4:14; Heb. 5:5, 8, 10; Heb. 6:6; Heb. 7:3; Heb. 10:29; 1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:22–24; 1 John 3:8, 23; 1 John 4:9, 10, 14; 1 John 5:5, 9, 10, 13, 20; 2 John 3; Rev. 2:18.

Jesus is also the Son of Man:

Gen. 3:15; Deut. 18:15–19; Psa. 22:22; Isa. 8:18; Isa. 9:6; Dan. 7:13; Matt. 16:27, 28; Matt. 18:11; Matt. 20:28, 30, 31; Matt. 21:9; Matt. 26:2, 26–28, 36–45 Mark 14:34, 42. Matt. 26:64; Mark 2:28; Mark 9:9, 12; Mark 10:33, 45; Mark 14:21, 62; Luke 2:11–14; Luke 5:24; Luke 17:22, 24; Luke 18:31; Luke 19:10; Luke 21:36; Luke 22:48, 69; John 1:14; John 5:27; John 12:34; John 13:31; Acts 7:56; Acts 17:31; Gal. 4:4; Phil. 2:7, 8; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 2:9, 10, 14–18; Heb. 10:12; 1 John 4:2, 3; 2 John 7; Rev. 1:13; Rev. 14:14

The pattern of Christian ministry is provided by the life of Christ, who came not to receive service but to give it (Mt. 20:28; Mk. 10:45); the verb used in these texts is diakonein, which suggests something like waiting at table, and recalls the occasion when he washed the disciples’ feet (Jn. 13:4ff.). It is significant that in the first recorded instance of ordination to the Christian ministry, the purpose of the office is stated to be that of ‘serving tables’ (Acts 6:2); and the same word is used in the same chapter (v. 4) to describe the service of the word exercised prior to this by the twelve apostles. The *minister of Christ, following the example of his Master, renders a humble but loving service to the needs of humanity at large, in the same spirit as that in which angels (Mt. 4:11; Mk. 1:13) and women (Mt. 27:55; Lk. 8:3) had ministered to the Lord on earth. Such service is reckoned as being done to Christ in the persons of the needy (Mt. 25:44); it is most frequently rendered to the saints (Rom. 15:25; 1 Cor. 16:15; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:1; Heb. 6:10); but it is a mutual service within the fellowship of Christ’s body (1 Pet. 4:10); and, as the ministry of the gospel (1 Pet. 1:12), it is in fact a ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18) for the world.

The ability to perform such work is a gift of God (Acts 20:24; Col. 4:17; 1 Tim. 1:12; 1 Pet. 4:11); already in Rom. 12:7 it is being classified in a list of other spiritual gifts; and in 1 Tim. 3:8ff. the diaconate has become a recognized church office, probably open to women as well as men (cf. Rom. 16:1). But even so, the term is still being used in a wider sense; Timothy is to fulfil his ministry by doing the work of an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5); and this work of service has as its great object the edification of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12). In the words of Hort, Christ lifted ‘every grade and pattern of service into a higher sphere … ministration thus became one of the primary aims of all Christian actions’; and the generic term is applied to all forms of ministry within the church.

ff and the following (verses, etc.)

v verse

cf confer (Lat.), compare

Wood, D. R. W.: New Bible Dictionary. InterVarsity Press, 1996, c1982, c1962, S. 769

[Ridding self of karma] "You had better ask a Buddhist or two that question, as I believe some of them may hold such a view... I do not hold it."

That's good. Buddhists seem to be the atheists of Hinduism. That is not to criticize Buddhists. I think they can be intellectually honest like atheists. I just believe they are wrong.

"...[A]nd this thread is not about what myself or Paul believe with regard to these matters; you are attempting to hi-jack the thread for the sake of your own personal agenda."

I was addressing the "force" mentioned. I never got a measurement for that force.

It is not my intention to hijack any thread. I don't have a personal agenda. I respond wherever the conversation leads.

E.T. is fine to speak about. Jesus identified with man not Martians (Son of Man). If there are Martians, there is no biblical evidence that they may be saved.

For many, science is their god. I do not think it is wise to invest such time and effort into searching for life in outer space. It is nice that man landed on the moon but do you think that you or I will be landing on the moon anytime soon?

Why do you think man is so interested in finding ET?

Response to comment [from a Hindu]: "God is the primal substance and Mind of the Universe, of All That is, and His Consciousness pervades all, within His Omnipresence..."

The Bible teaches that God created all things (Jn 1:3). He did not create himself (Rev 1:8). He is not a part of creation. He created creation.

"So, an precursory understanding of these basic spiritual principles and contextualized viewpoints, would enable one to see, that God is All...All is Consciousness,....and all that is 'knowable' arises within Consciousness."

The Bible refutes this teaching. If the Bible is true, God is not "all". In the first verse of scripture we learn: the universe was created by God; one God created all things; matter had a beginning; God was alone when He created; God, not man, is the ultimate reality; and God created all things (Morris, Henry M.: The Genesis Record : A Scientific and Devotional Commentary on the Book of Beginnings).

"Evil flows from its own distorted perception-base and insanity-levels as one abides in unreality, separation from truth, ignorance and mayhem (discord). Whether there be dark beings, evil entities or not, each soul battles his own demons, so to speak (within and without)...until the light of truth, knowledge and liberty dawns, and he assumes his God-identity and true Sonship, as a citizen of Light...a liberated being! Truth and its knowledge is all-power."

The Bible teaches that the problem with the world is sin, not knowledge. Do you think the world needs more smart people or good people? How does one get this "light"? How would one know if he has this "light"? Why have recipients of this "light" subjugated people in India for example? For the Christian, all men are created in God's image and likeness.

"The world is doing just fine, where it is at along the evolutional Path, and is ever guided, sustained by grace and the universal powers that BE. (no matter how evil or misguided it may temporarily appear). How man cooperates with divine Will as it advances souls forward...is the subject-field of our studies and application of practice, ...it is explorative, experiential and progressive."

Death, disease and suffering is good? God said everything was " very good" (Ge 1:31). But we see now, that things in the world are not like the perfect garden.

Response to comment [from a Hindu]: "[I]f you want to discuss Hinduism we have a thread for that and plenty expounded on the subject."

I am happy to discuss Hinduism as you have suggested in another thread. However, in this thread you presented a truth claim to which I have a few challenges. I would like you to substantiate your claims. Is that fair? You are of course free not to answer which ends the discussion. But I hope you will oblige me. I think it is important.

"'God' is both 'personal' and 'impersonal'"

You claim that God is both personal and impersonal. I submit, this cannot be. It's like saying a woman is sort of pregnant. Either she is pregnant or she is not. God is either personal or he is not. The Bible says that God is personal.

"Imposing your Christian theology and mass-passage lists on this thread is non-productive to the thread's purpose. Remember the rules, you could be reported."

I have quoted the Bible where I think it is relative to your claims. Do you disagree?

"A presumptuous claim, since many other ancient texts/scriptures are 'authenticated' by their own support systems..."

I come from the standpoint that the Bible is true. Scripture encourages us to test all things (1 Thes 5:21).

"The naivety of such a claim is clearly self-serving, besides 'ignorant' from a universal-knowledge perspective..."

Do Christians seem selfish to you? Selfishness is contrary to the law of God (Le 19:18; Mt 22:39; Jas 2:8). Jesus condemned selfishness (Joh 4:34; Ro 15:3; 2Co 8:9). The God of the Bible hates selfishness (Mal 1:10). Did you know that saints are often accused of being selfish when they are not? (Job 1:9-11).

"God is the One Supreme Reality, before, behind and beyond all conception."

Both the Old and New Testaments teach that we can know God.

"In the ot God is known because of self-revelation and humans know by acknowledging and accepting God (Deut. 11:2-7; Isa. 11:2; 41:20; Jer. 2:8; 9:6)...In the garden Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and gained personal knowledge of good and evil that changed their relationship with God (Gen. 3). The prophets describe sinners as those who know not the way of peace (Isa. 59:8)...The nt continues the ot tradition of knowledge as a relationship. According to Paul the believer who knows and loves God is known by God (Gal. 4:9; 1 Cor. 8:3). God can only be known by the Spirit and believers who have the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:11). God reveals the mystery of salvation in Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 2:7, 12-13; cf. Col. 2:2-3). In the Gospel of John both God and Jesus are known through signs and humans come to know the Father through the sign par excellence, Jesus (8:14; 14:7-9). Jesus knows the Father (16:30; 17:25; cf. 1:18) and the disciples know through him (17:7-8, 26). This view is also presumed by the thanksgiving formula in Matt. 11:25-27 where Jesus asserts that the Father and Son know each other, along with those to whom the Son reveals the Father. In the nt, knowledge of God comes through Jesus and concerns the saving work that God does in Jesus. Knowledge assumes faith in God and Jesus as well as obedience to them: ‘And by this we may be sure that we know him [Christ], if we keep his commandments’ (1 John 2:3)."

OT Old Testament

NT New Testament

Achtemeier, Paul J. ; Harper & Row, Publishers ; Society of Biblical Literature: Harper's Bible Dictionary. 1st ed. San Francisco : Harper & Row, 1985, S. 534

"God reveals himself thru-out the totality of Creation, in many forms, modes, personifications, attributes and names."

This we can agree on (Ps 19:1).

"It is within His Universal Spirit and divine Will that we move forward to our next dimensional uplift and Ascension in the Light."

Do you think that Jesus accurately described the next "dimension"--one of two placed--either a place of torment (Lu 16:23) or paradise (2Co 12:2,4)? Do you think that Jesus mediates who goes there? (Ac 3:21; Heb 6:20; 9:12,24).

Feel free not to answer, as this is an E.T. thread. I'd love to move on to the little creatures, but I felt that I first must challenge these statements. I appreciate the time that you have taken to answer already.

Response to comment [from a Hindu]: [Eternal life from only from an eternal God] "'God' is the One eternal Life that is Being (itself)...and my being is not separate from that Being."

The Bible teaches that God will always be God and we will always be his creation. A Christian, according to the Bible, is being made into Christ-likeness though he will never be God. In fact, the fall of Satan had to do with this type of prideful thinking. Satan thought "I am beautiful. I should be God." That evil notion is still in the world today because of sin's effect on the world. You said that you see God in creation. The Bible teaches that God has made himself known in his creation (Ps 19:1) and in our hearts by his law (Ro 2:15).

Because God is our creator, we are responsible to him.

"Could it be that you display an ignorance of the principle of karma and its appropriation relative to the soul's evolution and ultimate emancipation?"

If the problem with the world were knowledge, then this could be true. But the Bible teaches that knowledge is not the problem with this world--sin is. An honest view of the state of our world proves this.

All men have the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:9, 17; 3:22). In fact, the Bible teaches that fear of the Lord, is the beginning of knowledge (Pr 9:10). If it's knowledge you'd like, God has plenty of that. What we now know only in part, we will know more fully if we trust in Christ (1 Cor. 13:9–12).

"It would certainly be cruel for a 'god' to give souls one embodiment and eternally torment and condemn them for 'sins' accrued in that one incarnation for all eternity. That is cruelty."

God is holy. It is cruel not to judge sin. The law on our hearts tell us this. For example, when a judge lets a criminal back on the streets to commit another crime on another innocent person, we know that it is wrong. The punishment of God is a right judgment against those who reject his love and mercy (Jn 3:19). He offers to forgive our sins if we repent and put our trust in him. He paid the debt that we owed. In this way, he could remain true to himself (his holiness). Someone had to answer for the crime--that someone was Jesus (Isa 53:5). That is the opposite of cruelty. That is love (Ro 5:8).

"Only love would allow and provide for souls multiple opportunities and life-experiences as an educational experience for them to grow, learn and develop...grace assisting them to reach their highest potential and perfection."

Love came in the person of Jesus. He is described as love (Eph 3:19). But he is also holy (Ex 15:11; 1Sa 2:2). He has given every man an opportunity to be saved (Prov. 1:24–33; Jer. 8:20; Ezek. 3:19 Ezek. 33:1–17. Hos. 5:6; Matt. 10:14, 15; Matt. 11:20–24; Matt. 23:34–38; Matt. 25:1–14 [Luke 19:12–27.] Matt. 25:15–46; Luke 12:47; Luke 13:25–28; Luke 14:16–24).

God gives men grace upon grace (Ps 84:11; Jas 1:17). As one Christian said at this site--you can't out give the giver of life.

"Without true knowledge souls perish. Light (knowledge) is essential,....darkness (ignorance) keeps man in bondage, spiritual retardation. God-knowledge is Self-evident when one comes to realize His Higher Self and consciousness that is one with God, God being that very Consciousness and Light."

God is described as perfect light, in him there is no darkness (1 Jn 1:5). God is the only creator of light (Jas 1:17). God delivers men from darkness (a picture of sin in scripture). "[G]iving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from athe power of darkness band conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins (Col 1:11-14)."

[Caste system] "[R]eligious power/politics can often tend to become corrupted."

I agree. Christians have many make-believers among them (Gal. 1:6–8, Eph. 4:14). The wheat and tares grow together (Matt. 13:25–30). Tares resemblance the wheat until the ear appears, and only then the difference is discovered (Easton, M.G.: Easton's Bible Dictionary. Oak Harbor, WA : Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1996, c1897). Tares are a picture of false teachers and unbelievers in the Bible.

"God is the origin of all that exists. [T]his includes all that is not personal as well. All is created out of Him."

The Bible teaches that in the beginning God brought something new into existence (Ge 1:1). Although God is very giving, he did not share his own substance with his creation. He is the creator; we are the created. A person can give you an arm up without giving you his arm. God is holy. Man is not. When Moses approached the burning bush God said: "'Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.' Moreover He said, '“I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' And Moses hid his face, for jhe was afraid to look upon God." (Ex 3:5-6).

"Your...snide little remark about 'little creatures'. 'E.T. Teachings' simply refers to spiritual light/knowledge/teaching from E.T. sources..."

I wasn't trying to be snide calling E.T.s "little creatures". I really don't think that there are any out there.

"[T]ypically from contactees, channelled sources, telepathic and beyond - this obviously includes all spiritual sources (extra-terrestrial) but primarily those associated with what we have received from ET sources (some associated with UFO's some not)."

I love a good X-Files show myself. Fiction is fun--but it is fiction. Christians strange enough (Ro 12:2).

"I won't accommodate 'ignorance' or entertain it beyond reason after so much light has been provided."

Light is figurative in the Bible for God's revelation to man. Jesus is light personified. But men reject light and truth (Jn 3:19).

"Humanity is being lifted up in consciousness as we enter into the next dimension of greater Awareness of the New Era."

You place more trust in humanity than I do (Jer 17:9).

"[T]his includes all religious traditions and cultures of our planet, which is not just limited to traditional Christianity and the Bible, but includes it and all revelations given to mankind. This is what matters, our awakening in global consciousness and the divine Plan for this world and all sister worlds in our local collective."

The Bible teaches that man cannot help himself (Jn 15:5). He needs a savior. No growth process can bring a spiritually dead man to life. Only by being born again by the spirit of God, can man live (Jn 3:7). There is no "becoming". Scriptures teaches a man is either in Christ or he is not. There is no in-between state (1 Jn 3:14).

Evil is not a mistake made by a lack of knowledge. Evil is real and present in the world after the fall of man (Ro 5:12). Men do not get better after evolution. Time has shown this. Anyone can see after thousands of years of trying, man is not any closer to getting it right without God. The Bible does not teach that history is unfolding, rather it is coming to and end (1 Jn 2:17). There is no evolving spirit of the cosmos. Our own dead spirit must be made new in Christ (Jn 3:6).

Response to comment [from a Hindu]: "There is nothing that exists that did not come from God, out of His original substance."

God did not give man his substance. God is very giving, but we got our own substance apart from God. Creation was something new (Ge 1:1). Creation did not steal any of God's glory or substance.

"A Creator designs/creates and gives 'form' to things - Who originated the substance that gives form to all things? All is made of the substance of God, its origin, source and maintainer..."

Glory is given to man by God. It cannot be stolen (Da 2:37-38). God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (Jas 4:6). Hypocrites will be shamed (Ho 4:7). In the wicked (those who have not received Christ) glory is their shame (Php 3:19). They will end in destruction (Isa 5:14).

"[V]arious races among the star-nations of which our planet has had contact or some knowledge of..."

I have seen Predator and Transformers too. I do not put hopes on man-made thinking (Pr 21:30). I know of only one race--the human race (Ac 17:26).

"God's very Being is 'Light', ...what is light? : Consciousness, Knowledge, Omniscience. We are all figures of 'God', configurations of His Light,.....all is light."

The Bible has much to say about the subject of light:

1. God the only source of. Jas 1:17.

2. Created by God. Ge 1:3; Isa 45:7.

3. Separated from darkness. Ge 1:4.

4. Sun, moon, and stars appointed to communicate to the earth. Ge 1:14-17; Jer 31:35.

5. Divided into

a. Natural. Job 24:14; Isa 5:30.

b. Extraordinary or miraculous. Ex 14:20; Ps 78:14; Ac 9:3; 12:7.

c. Artificial. Jer 25:10; Ac 16:29.

6. Communicated to the body through the eye. Pr 15:30; Mt 6:22.

7. Described as

a. White and pure. Mt 17:2.

b. Bright. Job 37:21.

c. Shining. 2Sa 23:4; Job 41:18.

d. Diffusive. Job 25:3; 36:30.

e. Useful and precious. Ec 2:13.

f. Agreeable. Ec 11:7.

g. Manifesting objects. Joh 3:20,21; Eph 5:13.

8. The theory of, beyond man’s comprehension. Job 38:19,20,24.

9. Illustrative of

a. Glory of God. Ps 104:2; 1Ti 6:16.

b. Purity of God. 1Jo 1:5.

c. Wisdom of God. Da 2:22.

d. Guidance of God. Ps 27:1; 36:9.

e. Favour of God. Ps 4:6; Isa 2:5.

f. Christ the source of all wisdom. Lu 2:32; Joh 1:4,9; 8:12; 12:46.

g. Glory of Christ. Ac 9:3,5; 26:13.

h. Purity of Christ. Mt 17:2.

i. Word of God. Ps 119:105,130; 2Pe 1:19.

j. Gospel. 2Co 4:4; 1Pe 2:9.

k. Ministers. Mt 5:14; Joh 5:35.

l. Wise rulers. 2Sa 21:17; 23:4.

m. The soul of man. Job 18:5,6.

n. Saints. Lu 16:8; Eph 5:8; Php 2:15.

o. Future glory of saints. Ps 97:11; Col 1:12.

p. The path of the just. Pr 4:18.

q. The glory of the church. Isa 60:1-3.

r. Whatever makes manifest. Joh 3:21; Eph 5:13.

[Trusting in humanity (Jer 17:9)] "Yes, I trust the God of humanity and the divine potential in every sentient being, the Infinite Intelligence and Love maintaining the whole of eternity. (the Cosmos)."

We should put our trust in God not man (Lk 18:4). There is no hope for man apart from God (Job 8:13; Job 11:20; Job 27:8; Job 31:24, 28; Prov. 10:28; Zech. 9:5; Eph. 2:12).

"All is in evolution,....consciousness, light, energy, even 'being'. 'Be-ing' itself is 'Be-coming' in the creative play of evolution/creation....as Life evolves its own innate potential and intentions. 'God' is willing many things into being thru the experience of space/time relationships, expanding possibilities...exploring Infinity."

When man's conscience works (Ro 2:15), and when he acknowledges the Creator God (1 Jn 1:5), he should be convicted of sin. In his mercy, he gave us a conscience which points to him.

The conscience:

1. Witnesses in man. Pr 20:27; Ro 2:15.

2. Accuses of sin. Ge 42:21; 2Sa 24:10; Mt 27:3; Ac 2:37.

3. We should have the approval of. Job 27:6; Ac 24:16; Ro 9:1; 14:22.

4. The blood of Christ alone can purify. Heb 9:14; 10:2-10,22.

5. Keep the faith in purity of. 1Ti 1:19; 3:9.

6. Of saints, pure and good. Heb 13:18; 1Pe 3:16,21.

7. Submit to authority for. Ro 13:5.

8. Suffer patiently for. 1Pe 2:19.

9. Testimony of, a source of joy. 2Co 1:12; 1Jo 3:21.

10. Of others, not to be offended. Ro 14:21; 1Co 10:28-32.

11. Ministers should commend themselves to that of their people. 2Co 4:2; 5:11.

12. Of the wicked, seared. 1Ti 4:2.

13. Of the wicked, defiled. Tit 1:15.

14. Without spiritual illumination, a false guide. Ac 23:1; 26:9.

God's will is for men to humble themselves before him, repent, and be obedient: Ex. 15:26; Ex. 19:5; Ex. 20:6; Ex. 23:22; Lev. 26:3–43; Deut. 4:1, 40; Deut. 5:10, 29 Deut. 29:9. Deut. 7:9, 12–15; Deut. 11:26, 27 v. 28.; Deut. 12:28; Deut. 15:4, 5; Deut. 28:1–14; Deut. 30:1–10, 15–20; Josh. 1:8; 1 Kin. 2:3, 4; 1 Kin. 3:14; 1 Kin. 8:23; 1 Kin. 9:3–9 2 Chr. 7:17–22. 1 Chr. 22:13; 1 Chr. 28:7, 8; 2 Chr. 26:5; 2 Chr. 27:6; 2 Chr. 30:9; 2 Chr. 31:10; Job 36:11; Prov. 3:1, 2; Prov. 16:7; Isa. 1:19; Jer. 7:3–7, 23; Jer. 11:1–5; Jer. 12:16; Jer. 15:19–21; Jer. 17:24–27; Jer. 22:4, 5, 15, 16; Zech. 3:7; Mal. 3:10–12; Matt. 10:22 Matt. 24:13; Mark 13:13. Col. 1:22, 23; Heb. 3:6, 14; Heb. 6:11, 12; Heb. 10:36; Rev. 2:10.

Response to comment [from Hindu]: ["Cosmos perspective", "lifted plane"]

It sounds like you are saying "My God is bigger than your God." But the God of the Bible promises to consume all other gods (Deut 4:24). I agree with you when you say "God is greater". He knows all languages, of course. We will probably get an all new language in heaven...The "lifted plane" that you are speaking of does not seem to address the sin issue.