Re: theological question

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: : : : WHAT?!? : : : bletnit?! : : : blet = rotten fruit : : : nit = lice eggs : : : If this is really your name, I understand your pain... ;-) : : : Methinks Mr. Bletnit knows a little too much about burning bushes and the standard "why does God allow..." argument to be completely genuine. That is, I don't think that he really needs these answers for himself. : : : I think rather that he's trying to stimulate some thoughtful conversation. Which is a GOOD thing, BUT... : : : ...to spend the time and prayer to respond thoughtfully and sincerely to such provocative questions, when you strongly suspect the need is not genuine, is a bit much to ask of most of us. There's not enough hours in the day to adequately respond to the REAL needs we are confronted with. : : : On the other hand, the AOL question IS a tough one... :-) : : Actually, this is a question that has had me wondering for a while, as I know that for myself, as an engineer, that things more tangible would help me when I struggle. I asked this question in my christian high school, and never got a decent answer, other than the "God works in mysterious ways" quote. Which is a truth, albeith a "shut up and don't ask involved questions" answer. Truth was, I had more biblical (and technical) knowledge than most of those faculty. Hence I was bored in HS, and thought up questions like this alot to annoy the faculty (and while giving much thought to some, still managed to be stumped (and frustrated that no one would give me the time of day with some of the more "thought provoking" questions. So yes, I was trying to spark a stimulating conversation, but before you resolve that this question is best left alone (and discorage others from picking up in the conversation by calling it "not genuine", understand that no question is ever undeserving of an answer. Whether the asker is insincere, chances are that a thoughtful and well-structured answer to even a basic challenge of faith, can help someone who may be having difficulty with theirs. Be it the asker, or a casual listener. : : I was told by a friend (who goes here) about the forum, and that the pastor had some of a sermon covering this question. I would have liked to have been there...but being many states away, I have only the forums to both post my questions and answers of faith... (by the way, I am always quoting Monty Python, so he was rather prophetic in that). :) : : and no, Bletnit isn't my last name, but Jason is my first. I leave it here posted simply as reference to those who may want identify writers along the thread. : : Jason : : "But trust me on the sunscreen" : * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * : In the Old Testament, God did speak more audibly, and show himself more visibly. He also made his will extremely clear throughg the law, so that no one had an excuse of ignorance when they transgressed. : You would think that the Jews leaving Egypt with so many awesome signs and wonders would desire God above all. You would think that when Moses brought the law they would have been trying their best to keep it. You would think that they would have an intense desire to learn more about this awesome God who revealed Himself. You would at least think they'd appreciate His calling and His promises, and try to please Him. : THEY DIDN'T. They knew His will and disobeyed, over and over again. They had no desire to seek God; they took Him for granted. When the signs and wonders ceased for a few days, they immediately grumbled against God, and built a golden calf to take the place of the God who had inexcusably disappeared. : Their whole walk was based on visual, audible signs and miracles. As a result, their faith was inferior, being carnally based. They were not grateful; they would not trust. They had no desire to seek God at all; they felt that it was HIS responsibility to always awe and amaze them, and they constantly found fault with God when He didn't perform according to their requirements. This is the result of the "give us a sign" brand of faith in the OT. : I personally feel very fortunate to live in this age of real faith, hungry and thirsty for God, seeking that which is within the veil. The OT revelation of God didn't work; perhaps the whole point of it was to show us that it doesn't work that way. Our faith must be based on the invisible, the eternal. This fuels our desire to seek Him; to see His glory revealed. If our faith is carnally based, we will end up as rebellious and miserable as they. : I think of the rich man who was in torment, begging for Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers to warn them, so that they could avoid his damnation. He argued that if Lazarus rose from the dead to deliver the message, that would be a big enough miracle to convince them. : But Abraham said "...they would not believe, even if one should rise from the dead." : * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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