awediot
03-18-2006, 05:25 PM
If only God would show undeniable evidence we were on the right track, or all out PROVE His existance. So many pieces would fall into place, so much pain would be alleviated. Wars would stop, the environment would gain respect, a harmonic convergence of Love and brotherhood could commence... Or just prove yourself to me oh Lord, so that I may better serve you.
Why does God withhold PROOF? Are we so certain He does? Is evidence enough, what form of proof would suffice and what would it do to us if that wish were granted?
In a different thread I made the mad claim God had PROVEN Himself to me (nature vs. nurture), and said I have had no need for faith since. I can describe it no other way and have no delusion I can translate that experience into a satifactory
proof for anyone else. At the time, I was angrily demanding evidence or signs, (not a tactic I reccomend) but not proof, and I got way more than I bargained for. It was as if the tree was pulled from under me and I "chose" to hit the ground.
The request itself is unreasonable. It is a desire to reform freewill. Say an isolated tribesman had heard stories of a box that can take you faster than the cheetah. He is free to believe whatever, and weigh the frequency of the story, who he heard it from, if that wheel thingy may play a part etc. But put him in a car and further doubt is renderred impossible. Unless he masters denial and can write it off as a dream or vision. Then no proof would suffice. Or he only didn't quite catch the cheetah, or only saw a parked car, in the distance. Then proof for one isn't so for another.
Personal proof defines subjectivity and the term is not often used by even the most devout. We must ask if we not only want proof, but want it in this or that way. Perhaps you have been given proof. Perhaps God thinks you have been given evidence enough. Or maybe you'll get it tomarrow and regret it.
Trumpets and choirs and atmospheric scrolling back to reveal Jupiter sized horsemen to accompany God's return, is God proving Himself to the world at large, all at once. I believe it will happen, in His own time, but we are finished with this stage at that point. It seems God believes we have been given ample evidence to make an educated guess. Any more proof and we are undone. The moment it comes, may also be the moment it is too late to decide.
Why does God withhold PROOF? Are we so certain He does? Is evidence enough, what form of proof would suffice and what would it do to us if that wish were granted?
In a different thread I made the mad claim God had PROVEN Himself to me (nature vs. nurture), and said I have had no need for faith since. I can describe it no other way and have no delusion I can translate that experience into a satifactory
proof for anyone else. At the time, I was angrily demanding evidence or signs, (not a tactic I reccomend) but not proof, and I got way more than I bargained for. It was as if the tree was pulled from under me and I "chose" to hit the ground.
The request itself is unreasonable. It is a desire to reform freewill. Say an isolated tribesman had heard stories of a box that can take you faster than the cheetah. He is free to believe whatever, and weigh the frequency of the story, who he heard it from, if that wheel thingy may play a part etc. But put him in a car and further doubt is renderred impossible. Unless he masters denial and can write it off as a dream or vision. Then no proof would suffice. Or he only didn't quite catch the cheetah, or only saw a parked car, in the distance. Then proof for one isn't so for another.
Personal proof defines subjectivity and the term is not often used by even the most devout. We must ask if we not only want proof, but want it in this or that way. Perhaps you have been given proof. Perhaps God thinks you have been given evidence enough. Or maybe you'll get it tomarrow and regret it.
Trumpets and choirs and atmospheric scrolling back to reveal Jupiter sized horsemen to accompany God's return, is God proving Himself to the world at large, all at once. I believe it will happen, in His own time, but we are finished with this stage at that point. It seems God believes we have been given ample evidence to make an educated guess. Any more proof and we are undone. The moment it comes, may also be the moment it is too late to decide.