150 replies to this topic

[Darkwind]

If there is a god, can a human actually say they know his mind?  Even using a so called sacred text, has the question of its origins and intent of author.

Edited by Darkwind, 23 November 2012 - 05:48 PM.

[Lion6969]

Knowing the mind of god? What do you actually mean? Cause we don't even know our own minds fully, nor if you were asked if you know my mind, would you? And how?

[Darkwind]

People like to claim to know what their god is thinking and what he wants us to do and will point out whatever source they have such as Bible, Quran or other writings they think is form the hand of god. Isn't really ego to claim to know what are a god's intention is or which text is written by a god?

Edited by Darkwind, 23 November 2012 - 07:12 PM.

[Beany]

I don't even know if there is a god, let alone what it/she/he thinks. Anyway, is it reasonable to expect that we could come to know the sacred or divine only through the medium of language? Words represent an idea or experience, they are a description, but not the same as having the experience. Do you think maybe claiming to know the mind of god is a way of paring the concept down to something more human, and therefore more understandable? If that is the case, then it's a limiting concept, I think.

[Armchair Educated]

stop twisting words lol no one claims to know the mind of god. they just claim to know what god expects of them. i think its egocentric for someone to think they understand christian beliefs with out having read the whole bible, you should either have the opinion thats its aload of rubbish and ignore it or have a learned opinion by reading the bible and knowing what your talking about.

[Rlyeh]

The good thing about inventing god is you can make up what he thinks about.

[Tutankhaten-pasheri]

And how many priests/politicians say "It is the will of God" before imposing their will on us, or doing something evil. Those people certainly seem to think they know what god thinks, and are not shy in telling us

[Darkwind]

Armchair Educated, on 23 November 2012 - 07:00 PM, said:

stop twisting words lol no one claims to know the mind of god. they just claim to know what god expects of them. i think its egocentric for someone to think they understand christian beliefs with out having read the whole bible, you should either have the opinion thats its aload of rubbish and ignore it or have a learned opinion by reading the bible and knowing what your talking about.

I have read the whole Bible a couple of times and I still don't get it. How do you or anyone know what god expects of you? How do you know you're reading the right book?

[dougeaton]

Darkwind, on 23 November 2012 - 07:24 PM, said:

I have read the whole Bible a couple of times and I still don't get it. How do you or anyone know what god expects of you? How do you know you're reading the right book?

My friends who are theist Chistians tell me it is love of self and others that is the central point.

doug

[Star of the Sea]

I don't think we can know the mind of God or his nature fully. If you are a Christian, listening to Jesus' word is probably the closest you will get. If you believe God's spirit resides in us, then I suppose following your conscience is probably a very good indicator.

[dougeaton]

Atentutankh-pasheri, on 23 November 2012 - 07:14 PM, said:

And how many priests/politicians say "It is the will of God" before imposing their will on us, or doing something evil. Those people certainly seem to think they know what god thinks, and are not shy in telling us

Or use it as an excuse, which it is of course.

Star of the Sea, on 23 November 2012 - 08:06 PM, said:

I don't think we can know the mind of God or his nature fully. If you are a Christian, listening to Jesus' word is probably the closest you will get. If you believe God's spirit resides in us, then I suppose following your conscience is probably a very good indicator.

That is a sane answer.

[C235]

Absolutely NEVER!

But i know what he wants me to know & that is that he knows that i know that he knows. got it? good

Edited by C235, 23 November 2012 - 08:56 PM.

[Darkwind]

dougeaton, on 23 November 2012 - 08:05 PM, said:

My friends who are theist Chistians tell me it is love of self and others that is the central point.

doug

But isn't that the point of most religions?  Love us self and others can come from reason, too. But there is a lot of other baggage with religions that have little to do with self  love and empathy. If it comes from a sacred book you believe is the word of god is that the word of a god, too? Oh dear, a conundrum.

Edited by Darkwind, 23 November 2012 - 09:07 PM.

[Beany]

Armchair Educated, on 23 November 2012 - 07:00 PM, said:

stop twisting words lol no one claims to know the mind of god. they just claim to know what god expects of them. i think its egocentric for someone to think they understand christian beliefs with out having read the whole bible, you should either have the opinion thats its aload of rubbish and ignore it or have a learned opinion by reading the bible and knowing what your talking about.

The question did ask if any human can know the mind of god and I shared my thoughts about it. Thank you for sharing what you believe my only two options to be. However, I have already made a choice to be conscious and aware enough so that when the divine/sacred reveals itself to me, I will recognize it for what it is, and give thanks for that experience. Some of us knuckleheads just bumble along that way, you know, trusting that the divine works in our lives in very personal ways.

[C235]

Darkwind, on 23 November 2012 - 07:24 PM, said:

I have read the whole Bible a couple of times and I still don't get it. How do you or anyone know what god expects of you? How do you know you're reading the right book?

All the paths lead to one destination IF walked right to the very end. All confusions eventually fade & order finds its place. Do what you are doing & expect from yourself what you would of a person you want to be known to all. All theists & atheist are equal only the right men reach it.