Anyone can write about something that is not true to make other believe that it is - that is what false prophecy is all about. Like the blind man that Jesus healed told the pharacies - I know what happened to me.
Well, ok. Can't say I agree that every non-Christian's spiritual experience is a lie to bear false prophecy to others, but to each his own.
If we were police officers, you'd be the one doing the right thing, Jeff, and I would be the one beating the prisoner unconcious.
Arguing about what is right and wrong in a spiritual context seems really pointless to me. Everyone has a very strong opinion about their belief systems and trying to argue logic is pointless. Belief is about faith more than it is about certainty, which is what makes it so tricky to discuss. Like I said, "To each his (or her) own."
For me, God is pure, unadulterated love. He is the same kind of love I had during my first kiss. He is the kind of love I felt the day I asked my wife to marry her and on the day of our wedding. He is the kind of love I can feel bubbling up for my unborn son. He is the love I feel when I see a sunset, a snow capped mountaintop, or a vast ocean. He is the love I feel when everyone else has turned away and I have only myself and Him. He is the love I feel when I see a gospel choir singing hymns in His praise as the congregation sings and swys in unison. He is the love that is apparent as people of all different colors, languages, nations, and races gather in Mecca to pray. He is the love that I know is there even as a door is closing. He is also the certainty that He loves me enough to open a better door. He is the love I feel when a loved one passes into His arms after completing their life on Earth. I am certain of the existence of God for many reasons, most of which have to do with the certainty that I would not be here were it not for divine intervention. With the things that I have seen and done, only God could have pulled me through. Throughout my life, I have studied many different religions and have come to the conclusion that God is love and that his only law is karma. That which you do will come back and revisit you.
wow. thanks for sharing that. jeff -- ultimately, i don't know about other faiths,really...i mean i may know them clinically or technically...but my experience is with the God of the Bible...I know that to be true to me. that's the best I can do.
I think faith, is always going to have a certain measure of doubt, just as unbelief will always have a certain amount of belief. I like a quote from Augustine, I doubt therefore I am. Predated Descartes on that one. Love however, is another topic, and for me it leads to a fairly good level of certaintiy, however there is always doubt.
