Posted by Dinah on June 12, 2002, at 9:58:20
In reply to Re: what we say to God should be justified, posted by jonh kimble on June 12, 2002, at 0:23:18
I do know what you mean, but I think the type of thing you're describing has more to do with the individual person and their understanding of the way God works than it does of religion. I see it in action, and I don't say anything, because the idea brings some people comfort and who am I to challenge that.
The only related idea that really upsets me is God as pyramid scheme. "If you send in your money, God will bless you and you will find money pouring in from unexpected sources." When I hear that from a preacher, I get sort of turned off.
But there is more than one way to see God in action in the world, different viewpoints, and different levels of sophistication in theology. (Ooh. That didn't sound right. Please don't anyone be offended.)
I see God more as rejoicing in your happiness and lending you support in times of sadness and I always pray for support and help with attitude and strength rather than for changes in physical laws or other concrete things. My attitude towards this is more like Kushner's in "When Bad Things Happen to Good People".
As an example, someone told me about an experience they had had and their spiritual view of it. They said there had been some young ducks on a busystreet, trying to get over a barricade. She ran to help them and someone stopped his car, put on his emergency lights and ran to help as well and they helped the ducks to safety. She said she thought God had sent her and the man to help the ducks. Now, I've seen too many splattered animals to find that easy to believe. But I do find it easy to believe that she and the man brought God and his love to the ducks by their choice of action. So they brought God into the world through acts of loving-kindness.
I'm not explaining this well, but a good book that does is "To Life!", also by Harold Kushner. And when I've discussed this with my pastor, he says it is just a matter of levels of spirituality and understanding. That people understand God on different levels. There's nothing wrong with that, but I think it's important to note that it's not the only way to view God.
Darn. I really don't feel like I've explained this well. So I hope I haven't insulted anyone who believes in a God who more concretely intervenes, because I respect everyone's religious views. This is just the level of understanding that I have.
poster:Dinah
thread:90
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20020527/msgs/127.html