Why I Don't Like God
Response to comment [from other]: "[S]till small voice"
A still small voice will not disagree with the word of God. If it does, it is not of God (2 Cor 11:14). Your worldview is not biblical (e.g. belief in evolution and "millions of years"). You think God can create the universe but he cannot ensure his word endures? Is God not capable of speaking through men? When you do not believe that the world was created as God said it was created (Ge 1:1), the foundations are gone. Satan would rather have you believe a lie than sin.
"God...the infallible and perfect creator of the entire universe and everything in it...can't speak for himself...so he gets humans to speak for him...knowing full well how fallible and imperfect they are?"
Because men are imperfect, it does not of necessity mean that God's message was made imperfect. God shows men as they are, warts and all. Because men act a certain way in the Bible, it does not mean that God condones their behavior.
""All Scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work (Ti 3:16-17, NKJV)."
* The Bible is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
* The Bible is made up of 66 different books that were written over 1600 years
(from approximately 1500 BC to AD 100) by more than 40 kings, prophets, leaders,
and followers of Jesus. The Old Testament has 39 books (written approximately
1500-400 BC). The New Testament has 27 books (written approximately AD 45-100).
The Hebrew Bible has the same text as the English Bible's Old Testament, but
divides an and arranges it differently.
* The Old Testament was written mainly in Hebrew, with some Aramaic. The New
Testament was written in Greek.
* The books of the Bible were collected and arranged and recognized as inspired
sacred authority by councils of rabbis and councils of church leaders based on
careful guidelines.
* Before the printing press was invented, the Bible was copied by hand. the
Bible was copied very accurately, in many cases by special scribes who developed
intricate methods of counting words and letter to insure that no error had been
made.
* The Bible was the first book ever printed on the printing press with moveable
type (Gutenberg Press, 1455, Latin Bible).
* There is much evidence that the Bible we have today is remarkably true to the
original writings. Of the thousands of copies made by hand before AD 1500, more
than 5,300 Greek manuscripts from the New Testament alone still exist today. The
test of the Bible is better preserved than the writings of Caesar, Plato, or
Aristotle.
* The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls confirmed the astonishing reliability of
some of the copies of the Old testament made over the years. Although some
spelling variations exist, no variation affects basic Bible doctrines.
* As the Bible was carried to other countries, it was translated into the common
language of the people by scholars who wanted to know God's Word. Today there
are still 2,000 groups with no Bible in their own language.
* By AD 200, the Bible was translated into seven languages; by AD 500, 13
languages; by AD 900, 17 languages; by AD 1400, 28 languages; by 1800, 57
languages; by 1900, 537 languages; by 1980, 1,100 languages...
See:
Response to comment [from an atheist]: "I think the people that wrote the Bible could have done a better job."
Because their personalities are retained in God's message, it lends credibility to scripture being inspired by God. God could have delivered his message verbatim but he chose not to. No man would write the book because it does not put man in a good light. It calls him the sinner that he is (Ps 53:3). The message of redemption rubs men the wrong way and for different reasons (1 Cor 1:23). It does not appeal to man (Isa 55:8).
"So...being saved is not a "good light"?"
Then you admit that you are a sinner in need of a Savior?
"Isn't that what the Bible is about -- man has issues, but there is hope?"
Man must admit who he is--a sinner.
"Where did I say that?"
You didn't. You do not agree with God about his appraisal of man? (Ro 3:12).
"Then why do you try to put words in my mouth? Because you're a Serpent?
I don't mean to put words in your mouth, I'm asking questions. You had mentioned "good news" and I agree--grace has appeared to all men (([Ti 2:11] that's good) but if you do not receive Christ, there is no hope ([Heb 2:3] that's bad).
No, I am not a serpent.
Why did you pick a nic' that symbolizes evil? Freudian slip? Are you trying to tell us something? Or do you really have that low opinion of yourself? Wouldn't a low opinion of yourself explain why you need God -- to make something out of you, ...
"...to make you feel special...even superior?"
I do not think I am superior.
I'll trust my personal relationship.
That sounds Christian enough, but--a personal relationship with the God of the Bible? Or a god of your own making? "Man's own religion usually descends to the fleshly life to which they themselves practice (Jim Andrews)." God is holy (Ex 15:11; 1Sa 2:2).
"Each of us has his own idea of what that reality."
Why is your reality any better than my reality? Why should anyone trust your reality?
"How long is a "day" here?"
6 literal days "yom". That is clear in scripture.
"...The story of the fall may very well be a symbol/metaphor.."
Exactly, if you cannot believe God from the first verse of the Bible, you can apply symbols to the resurrection, and so on.
"...The entire notion of a "savior" ..."
You make my point--see where bad doctrine leads? No need for a cross...no need for a Savior. The entire foundation of the Bible is undermined.
"[Y]ou have no credibility with me..."
Don't believe me. Test all things by the word of God (1 Thes 5:21).
Response to comment [from other]: "[W]hen they're ready..."
God commands men to repent today (Josh 24:15)--not tomorrow or the next day. We are not guaranteed another day. No one should presume upon God's grace.
"Your reality is better for you than mine is. My reality is better for me than yours is."
There is one reality for all. There is one truth for all. Everything else is false (Jn 14:6). God is the ultimate authority in our lives and he is holy (Ex 15:11; 1Sa 2:2).
[Day "yom"] "[[H]e [God] didn't write the Bible...the Bible wasn't written until thousands of years after the fact by humans. You say you don't trust man's word...but, in fact, you have invested your entire life in it."
Men wrote the scriptures which were inspired by God (2Ti 3:16). The Bible is not man's wisdom. It is God's wisdom (1Co 2:13). The scriptures are able to make men wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Ti 3:15).
"Scares ya, doesn't it? No more nice neat order...no more cosmic justice. Scares ya enuff to want to believe in just about anything to avoid having to face the possibility. You want everyone else to be as scared as you are. But they aren't."
You'd better find out if it's true (1 Cor 15:14). Christians who know the Lord have peace (Phil 4:7). It is the unredeemed man who lives in fear (Isa 48:22).
[1 Thes 5:21] "The word of God comes to me through conversations. I test all things by those."
Who are you speaking with? (2 Cor 11:14).
Response to comment [from a Christian]: "The Bible is not scientifically accurate..."
So where science and scripture disagree you believe science? Then, science is your god.
"There is no firmament in the sky..."
"The text makes no sense if it is meaning round earth. You can not translate a text by looking up word for word in a dictionary, the text as a whole must make sense. God is sitting above the earth, where?"
[Isa 40:22]
[Prov 8:24-27]
[Job 22:14]
Why do you call yourself a Christian when you do not believe the word of God? What do you think about Jesus?
Response to comment [from other]: "I don't have to presume anything. God let me in on a few "secrets"...that aren't really "secrets" at all...just things that folks aren't ready yet to learn."
We do not add to the word of God (Pr 30:6). God's word is settled in heaven (Ps 119:89, Mt 5:18).
"Part of that Deut 13:1-18 test is: Will you simply trust & obey god's word, or will you walk in a way that blindly trusts & follows people who claim to be Christians (Matt 7:21-23), those claiming to have a "special revelation or word from God" for you or others (but their beliefs are not in line with God's word); or prophecies (that don't come true); visions (that don't line up with God's word 100%); Hearing the audible voice of Jesus (but what they actually believe does not line up with God's word); People who claim they've seen & been with Jesus— or claim to have been to heaven or hell (but the story doesn't match up with God's word 100%). Remember, some of these false teachers prophecies might come true— don't be deceived. Believe & obey God's word only...
...1 John 4:1 "Do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. There are many false prophets in the world..."
...1 Thes 5:21 "Test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good..."
...Rom 16:17-18 “Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words. They deceive innocent people..." Full text: False Teachers and False Prophets
"You're imperfect and fallible...yet you're claiming perfectly infallible spiritual insight?"
No I'm not. I am claiming that God's word is inspired (2 Pet. 1:21) and living and active in the life of the believer (Heb. 4:12).
"Who said they [scriptures] were inspired by God? Other humans?"
No. God did.
"And now you're a fear monger...Serpent (symbol of evil and deception)...and you're trying to tell me what's true while wearing the badge of the great deceiver? Sheesh...you need to take a good look at yourself."
Ad hominem. I give out the word of God.
[2 Cor 11:14]. "God...the still small voice inside."
The voice of God (Ezek. 1:24, 28; 10:5; John 5:37; 12:28–30; Acts 7:31; 9:4, 7; 26:14, 15) will never disagree with scripture (Ps 138:2, Jas 1:18).
Response to comment [from other]: "You cannot even provide one single shred of evidence that humans did not write the Bible..."
Fulfilled prophecy, a more sure sign of God's sovereignty (2 Pet. 1:19).
See:
100 Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus
"God is okay. It's his believers that are in need of a thorough head examination."
"If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you (Jn 15:18)."
"Isn't wisdom generally thought of as a good, honorable, noble thing?"
Wisdom comes from God (Ezr 7:25).
"[I]f God deliberately leaves clear and indisputable evidence of his existence (a "sure" sign), man could not deny the existence of God, and God would win by default instead of by choice...so God has to leave everything ambiguous in order to avoid biasing man's decision."
God has not left everything ambiguous. Jesus said: "“I am the way, gthe truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (Jn 14:6)--" zero ambiguity. All other religions of the world are work-based. Christianity is faith-based.
"Who wouldn't choose to spend eternity with a loving, compassionate, merciful, honest-to-God...God...if there was absolutely no doubt about his existence?"
Men have internal evidence (Ro 2:15), external evidence (Ps 19:1) and the scriptures. They are without excuse (Ro 1:20). The reason people do not choose God is because they prefer darkness to light because their deeds are evil (Jn 3:19).
"Maybe you've made fewer mistakes in your life."
No. God saves from the guttermost to the uttermost. He is merciful (Ex 34:6,7; Ps 62:12; Ne 9:17; Jon 4:2,10,11; 2Co 1:3). People tend to think that Christians believe they are better than others. Christians know that they are no better than others. They are sinners saved by the grace of God (Ro 5:8).
Response to comment [from other]: "Humans have a virtually infinite capacity for self-delusion."
Then, how do you know that you are not deluded?
"...[Y]our confidence in your own judgment is disproportionate."
Is it wise to trust man's opinion (who by your own admission can be deluded) or God's word which is true? (2 Tim. 2:15; Jas. 1:18).
"So, if you're imperfect and fallible then on what basis do you claim perfectly infallible spiritual insight?"
I don't. I claim the scriptures are true (Dan. 10:21)--truth to live by (2 Tim. 2:15; Jas. 1:18) because they lead to life (Phil. 2:16).
"[O]n what grounds are you qualified to assert what 'absolute truth' is?"
On the word of God which is the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15; Jas. 1:18).
"You can only claim that you're making these kinds of judgments to the best of your ability...not that it's absolute truth...because that requires perfection in knowledge, and you are neither that knowledgeable, nor that perfect."
When I give out the word of God, I speak absolute truth--not by my ability but on God's word which is our authority (Ps 138:2).
"I know I can be deluded...I'm not qualified to declare "absolute truth"..."
God is qualified (Pr 3:5).
"[Y]ou're still relying on man's opinion."
Man
cannot predict the weather--much less future
events as the Bible does.
"Here are some examples found in the 100
Prophecies Fulfilled By Jesus pamphlet:
JESUS’ BIRTH
Prophecy: Be of the tribe of Judah
Old Testament References: Genesis 49:8-10,
“Judah, your brothers will praise you…The
scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the
ruler’s staff from between his feet, until
he comes to whom it belongs and the
obedience of the nations is his.”
New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 1:13, “A
record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the
son of David, the son of Abraham…Jacob the
father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the
father of Perez and Zerah…
JESUS’ LIFE AND MINISTRY
Prophecy: The King comes to Jerusalem riding
on a donkey
Prophecy: The King comes to Jerusalem riding
on a donkey
Old Testament References: Zechariah 9:9,
“See, your king comes to you, righteous and
having salvation, gentle and riding on a
donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
New Testament Fulfillment: Mark l1:1-10,
“When they brought the colt to Jesus and
threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it….”…
JESUS’ DEATH AND RESURRECTION
Prophecy: Be hung upon a tree as a curse for
us
Old Testament References—Deuteronomy 21:33,
“Be sure to bury him that same day, because
anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s
curse. You must not desecrate that land the
LORD your God is giving you as an
inheritance.”
New Testament Fulfillment—Galatians 3:13,
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the
law by becoming a curse for us, for it is
written; “Cursed is everyone who is hung on
a tree.”
JESUS’ TITLES AND ATTRIBUTES
“I Am” (Jehovah)
Old Testament Reference—Exodus: 3: 13-15
New Testament Reference—John 8:24, 13:19
“Seed of David”
Old Testament Reference—Psalm 89: 3, 4
New Testament Reference—John 7:42; Acts
13:22, 23
The pamphlet reveals prophecies in a
color-coded format to reveal the years they
were made before the birth of Christ, for
example:
Prophecies more than 1200 years before
Jesus’ birth
Prophecies more than 800 years before Jesus’
birth
Prophecies more than 500 years before Jesus’
birth..." Full text: 100
Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus Pamphlet
"Wow...the Bible contains both the prophecies and the record of their fulfillment?"
1/4 of the books of the Bible are prophetic. 1/5 were predictive when written. There is fulfilled prophecy and there is unfulfilled prophecy.
"How utterly impressive..."
The Bible is utterly unimpressive if you are biblically illiterate.
He who knows not,
And knows not that he knows not,
Is a fool. Shun him.
He who knows not,
And knows that he knows not,
Is ignorant. Teach him.
He who knows,
And knows not that he knows,
Is asleep. Awaken him.
He who knows,
And knows that he knows,
Is wise. Follow him.
"I became much more Biblically literate and was still unimpressed. In fact, I became even less impressed because I became even more aware just how little folks back then actually did know."
What is the theme of the book of Deuteronomy?
Your brain has suffered 6000 years of the curse of the sin. On what basis do you claim to be smarter than those who wrote the Bible. Only an ignoramus would say such a thing. Are you smarter than Solomon? Do you compose better music than Mozart? Are you more insightful than Shakespeare?
"Like it or not you follow man's word."
The word of God is inspired (Ex. 19:7; Ex. 20:1; Ex. 24:4, 12; Ex. 25:21; Ex. 31:18; Ex. 32:16; Ex. 34:27, 32; Lev. 26:46; Deut. 4:5 v. 14.; Deut. 11:18; Deut. 31:19, 22; 2 Kin. 17:13; 2 Chr. 33:18; Job 23:12; Psa. 78:5; Psa. 99:7; Psa. 147:19; Eccl. 12:11; Isa. 30:12, 13; Isa. 34:16; Isa. 59:21; Jer. 30:2; Jer. 36:1, 2, 27, 28, 32 Jer. 51:59–64. Ezek. 11:25; Dan. 10:21; Hos. 8:12; Zech. 7:12; Matt. 22:31, 32; Luke 1:1–4, 68–73; Acts 1:16; Acts 28:25; Rom. 3:1, 2 Heb. 5:12. 1 Cor. 2:12, 13; 1 Cor. 7:10; 1 Cor. 14:37; Eph. 6:17; Col. 3:16; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Thess. 4:1–3; 1 Tim. 6:3–5; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Heb. 1:1, 2; Heb. 3:7, 8; Heb. 4:12; 1 Pet. 1:11, 12; 2 Pet. 1:21; 2 Pet. 3:2, 15; 1 John 1:1–5; Rev. 1:1, 2, 11, 17–19; Rev. 2:7; Rev. 19:10; Rev. 22:6–8).
There are consequences for unbelief (Psa. 50:16, 17; Prov. 1:29, 30; Prov. 13:13; Isa. 5:24; Isa. 28:9–14; Isa. 30:9–11; Isa. 53:1; Jer. 6:10; Jer. 8:9; Hos. 8:12; Amos 2:12; Mic. 2:6; Luke 16:31; Luke 24:25; John 3:20; John 5:46, 47; John 8:37, 45; 1 Cor. 1:18, 22, 23; 2 Tim. 3:8; 2 Tim. 4:3, 4; 1 Pet. 2:8; 2 Pet. 3:15, 16; Rev. 22:19).
"[S]how me where I said I was smarter..."
Good you do not believe that you are smarter than those who wrote the Bible. It would be a ridiculous claim which you recognize.