How come the Truth of God is not clear to the whole world?

[MH84]

I believe in God. I believe that Christ died for our sins.

But how come the whole world doesnt know this, or is unable to decide for sure?

I mean look at how many Christian denominations there are! Look how many Muslim groups ther are!

Since the death and resurrection of Christ was the central event in the world’s history, how come there is so much doubt and confusion in the world about this?

How come the Lord was able to die and suffer, and redeem our fallen nature, but that the whole world doesnt know this or understand why this happened?

If Catholicism is the Truth, how come God the Father in His supreme mercy was able to allow God the Son to die on the cross, but has not infused this important event in our minds? How come most of the world does not belief in redemption of man through Jesus? How come God has not allowed all Christians too agree about Christainity, and exactly what is, and what we should believe?

 

[Publisher]

A Friend’s position on the issue is best stated very simply by two prominent Friends, John Woolman and William Penn…

“There is a principle which is pure, placed in the human mind, which in different places and ages hath different names: it is, however, pure and proceeds from God. It is deep and inward, confined to no form of religion nor excluded from any, where the heart stands in perfect sincerity.” – John Woolman

“The humble, meek, merciful, just, pious, and devout souls are everywhere of one religion, and when death takes off the mask, they will know one another though the diverse liveries they wear here make them strangers.” – William Penn

 

[Eileen_T]

I believe in God. I believe that Christ died for our sins.

But how come the whole world doesnt know this, or is unable to decide for sure?

I mean look at how many Christian denominations there are! Look how many Muslim groups ther are!

Since the death and resurrection of Christ was the central event in the world’s history, how come there is so much doubt and confusion in the world about this?

How come the Lord was able to die and suffer, and redeem our fallen nature, but that the whole world doesnt know this or understand why this happened?

If Catholicism is the Truth, how come God the Father in His supreme mercy was able to allow God the Son to die on the cross, but has not infused this important event in our minds? How come most of the world does not belief in redemption of man through Jesus? How come God has not allowed all Christians too agree about Christainity, and exactly what is, and what we should believe?

God gave us Free Will. He also gave us Grace through the Sacraments. He does not force Himself on us and although each of us are given moments of Grace throughout our lives that are designed to led us to see the Truth, we are free to disregard those graces.

It is my opinion that when we reject those graces it is through our pride. When we humble ourselves we see many truths, but man does not want to acknowledge Truth that is likely to be inconvenient. It would mean radically changing our lives and all to often we don’t want that.

 

[Charlie_Zeaiter]

Love is a matter of free will. You can’t force anybody to love you. That would be a contradiction to love if somebody was forced. And so, God can’t force anybody to love him. That would be a contradiction to himself for he is love.

If Christians wish to proclaim the divinity of Jesus, that He died on the cross, that he rose again, and that he’ll come again - so be it.

If muslims wish to specifically deny Christ as the Son of God (Qur’an 5:17), and specifically deny His crucifixion (Qur’an 4:157) - so be it too.

I know this confuses the world, but there really isn’t anything God can do about it, except to reveal himself in the way he knows how - through love. If you ask, he will answer you. If you seek, he will find you. That’s love.

 

[FightingFat]

I think sin has got a lot to do with it. Sin seperates us from God and when we want to sin we can see this in our behaviour; convincing ourselves of reasons why it is ok to do something you know is wrong.

Atheism is like that, an atheist can give no explanation for why we are here. We just are here. In many respects it seems easier to believe in nothing, no consequence, no judgement. But that means no love and no compassion and all this is for nothing.

To me the equation seems as simple today as it did in Pascal’s. But still we see many, many people refusing to accept the reality of a loving God.

 

[MH84]

But surely there are ways in which God could ensure that everyone has every opportunity to follow the right religion. How in the world can you expect a Saudi Arabian woman, for instance, to be converted to the Catholic Church from her position?

Since the event of redemption brought about by the sacrifice of Jesus is the central event of everyone’s lives, how come God hasn’t made sure, so to speak, that everyone can receive these blessings that Jesus has worked so hard for.

If God can save the world and have a divine plan all the way back from Adam, how come the worldwide blessing brought about by Jesus still isn’t technically universal? Or is it? If so, then that means that Jesus brought the worldwide blessing through the Church and through other means as well.

Why doesnt the Holy Spirit give doubters and non-believers more confirmation of the Truth? Even many people who are “good” Catholics have doubts sometimes.

Why does faith have to be a challenge? Why can’t we know the right way more clearly, so we know what to do? I mean why does there need to be the whole struggling of finding and believing what is Truth? Now that the Son became man, why can’t all people be born with knowledge of this Truth inside of us?

There are so many ways we can go wrong. If you are Muslim, it says in the Quran that it is wrong (I think unforgiveable) to believe in the Trinity. But if you are Christian, it is wrong to not believe that Christ is God. And millions and millions of people and following these religions on both sides.

Isn’t it true in some way that we believe we are following the truth because that is religion that we are ourselves practicing? I mean no one wants to actually believe that they are following the wrong way.

 

[swariffin]

I believe in God. I believe that Christ died for our sins.

But how come the whole world doesnt know this, or is unable to decide for sure?

I mean look at how many Christian denominations there are! Look how many Muslim groups ther are!

Since the death and resurrection of Christ was the central event in the world’s history, how come there is so much doubt and confusion in the world about this?

How come the Lord was able to die and suffer, and redeem our fallen nature, but that the whole world doesnt know this or understand why this happened?

If Catholicism is the Truth, how come God the Father in His supreme mercy was able to allow God the Son to die on the cross, but has not infused this important event in our minds? How come most of the world does not belief in redemption of man through Jesus? How come God has not allowed all Christians too agree about Christainity, and exactly what is, and what we should believe?

Dear MH,

If we believe that Jesus died for our sins, while others don’t, then it is our duty to go to the whole world to tell it. To make the world understand, and to make the world become Jesus’ deciples as well.

 

[Charlie_Zeaiter]

… Why doesnt the Holy Spirit give doubters and non-believers more confirmation of the Truth? …

What do suppose God should do? It was known a long time ago that if people would not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone were to rise from death (see Luke 16:31).

We even have modern day miracles, such as Our Lady of Fatima, and still they won’t believe.

I take comfort in the words that Jesus gave Thomas; “Do you believe because you see me? How happy are those who believe without seeing me!” (see John 20:29)

I think faith and love go together. If God forces himself onto others, then he may not earn their love. :twocents:

 

[MH84]

Dear MH,

If we believe that Jesus died for our sins, while others don’t, then it is our duty to go to the whole world to tell it. To make the world understand, and to make the world become Jesus’ deciples as well.

Easier said then done. Do you do this besides “Internet evangelisation”?

 

[Singinbeauty]

I believe in God. I believe that Christ died for our sins.

But how come the whole world doesnt know this, or is unable to decide for sure?

I mean look at how many Christian denominations there are! Look how many Muslim groups ther are!

Since the death and resurrection of Christ was the central event in the world’s history, how come there is so much doubt and confusion in the world about this?

How come the Lord was able to die and suffer, and redeem our fallen nature, but that the whole world doesnt know this or understand why this happened?

If Catholicism is the Truth, how come God the Father in His supreme mercy was able to allow God the Son to die on the cross, but has not infused this important event in our minds? How come most of the world does not belief in redemption of man through Jesus? How come God has not allowed all Christians too agree about Christainity, and exactly what is, and what we should believe?

Why do people do drugs or kill?

It’s the same concept. Some smoke even though there are a TON of studies that show smoking causes all sorts of problems. Real scientific stuff.

For Christians, we KNOW that Christ is the way. We feel Him everyday and we can’t fathom not having Him in our lives. How do others not know this? Because they have hardened their hearts for whatever reason to God. Only He knows the reason. But our job is to pray diligently for those who have turned their backs and ask God to soften their hearts to His voice. But that is where it is up to the individual. Only when they soften their hearts and hear His gentle whisper (or loud roar as it can be sometimes!) will they know He is God and He is here for them.

 

[MH84]

What do suppose God should do? It was known a long time ago that if people would not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone were to rise from death (see Luke 16:31).

We even have modern day miracles, such as Our Lady of Fatima, and still they won’t believe.

I take comfort in the words that Jesus gave Thomas; “Do you believe because you see me? How happy are those who believe without seeing me!” (see John 20:29)

But I have noticed God has always veiled some knowledge that we could ercive. Perhaps because we are not worthy. How come even the Apostles doubted?

How come most people know clearly who your parents are? But our true Father many of us do not know. Why can’t God be known at least as much as we know people on Earth? Once everyone knows how to worship and follow God without reasonable doubt then we can all work together without arguing about who is right, and who is wrong.

I mean look at us! Why do we have the need of an Apolegetics website? Why are people on these forums barracking about who won the debate between Tim Staples and Matt Slick (I havent seen it though)? How come from the first few hundread years the Church has had to combat heresy within the Church!?

I think faith and love go together. If God forces himself onto others, then he may not earn their love.

Okay, but when Catholics preach that there is no salvation outside the Church, I would rather be more clear than risk being absent from God. Probably less than half of the world (probably much less) really love God. So it isnt working too well.

God knows more than me, I just wish I can understand why things are like this. I myself have had doubts. And life can be confusing when you are not sure what to do.

 

[MH84]

Why do people do drugs or kill?

It’s the same concept. Some smoke even though there are a TON of studies that show smoking causes all sorts of problems. Real scientific stuff.

For Christians, we KNOW that Christ is the way. We feel Him everyday and we can’t fathom not having Him in our lives. How do others not know this? Because they have hardened their hearts for whatever reason to God. Only He knows the reason. But our job is to pray diligently for those who have turned their backs and ask God to soften their hearts to His voice. But that is where it is up to the individual. Only when they soften their hearts and hear His gentle whisper (or loud roar as it can be sometimes!) will they know He is God and He is here for them.

Good points here.

I don’t know. It just seems like there is a lot of guesswork when it comes to faith. There are so many ways to choose. How can we tell others what to do, when we cannot be sure ourselves? At least thats how Im feeling about myself. How can I tell others what to believe, when I myself have doubts about my belief?

When one would read all points of view on religion, the truth proclaimed by the Church wouldnt be as clear to him anymore. What does that say?

 

[Singinbeauty]

Good points here.

I don’t know. It just seems like there is a lot of guesswork when it comes to faith. There are so many ways to choose. How can we tell others what to do, when we cannot be sure ourselves? At least thats how Im feeling about myself. How can I tell others what to believe, when I myself have doubts about my belief?

When one would read all points of view on religion, the truth proclaimed by the Church wouldnt be as clear to him anymore. What does that say?

Because they are looking at the world (all other religions) for answers instead of being quiet so that they may hear Him.

See, that is a horrible human trait. We think that if we study everything we can find the right path. We think it to death and that allows errors and misconceptions to enter our thought process. We feel we can make the right decision. We can’t. It’s been proven time and time again. Personal experiences and just looking at the world shows us this.

It is only when we get tired of the search and trying to convince ourselves that we are right that we hear HIM and KNOW Him. There will always be doubt because unfortunately Satan has perfected the task of putting doubt into our heads. But when we quiet back down, He enters in the forefront of our minds and hearts then we know that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. All others are imitation.

 

[Charlie_Zeaiter]

But I have noticed God has always veiled some knowledge that we could ercive. Perhaps because we are not worthy. How come even the Apostles doubted?

How come most people know clearly who your parents are? But our true Father many of us do not know. Why can’t God be known at least as much as we know people on Earth? Once everyone knows how to worship and follow God without reasonable doubt then we can all work together without arguing about who is right, and who is wrong.

I mean look at us! Why do we have the need of an Apolegetics website? Why are people on these forums barracking about who won the debate between Tim Staples and Matt Slick (I havent seen it though)? How come from the first few hundread years the Church has had to combat heresy within the Church!?

Okay, but when Catholics preach that there is no salvation outside the Church, I would rather be more clear than risk being absent from God. Probably less than half of the world (probably much less) really love God. So it isnt working too well.

God knows more than me, I just wish I can understand why things are like this. I myself have had doubts. And life can be confusing when you are not sure what to do.

Hi again MH84,

With all due respect, there are too many questions in that post, and I think most of them have already been answered in this thread.

It sounds like you want God to baby-sit us all throughout our lives. Would you want your baby-sitter to look after you all throughout your life? I would hope not. I would hope that you would want to be free from your baby-sitter and grow up and develop your own strengths and embrace your own talents. And that freedom has pitfalls. It’s all a part of this wonderful challenge called life.

 

[swariffin]

Easier said then done. Do you do this besides “Internet evangelisation”?

Yep, you are correct. I joint one evangelization once, serving for almost a year, and now i quit because (1) I was relocated to the factory 40 miles out my residence (take me 2 hrs to go back and forth) and (2) I am guilty of not having a tough commitment.

 

[angelusm]

I believe in God. I believe that Christ died for our sins.

But how come the whole world doesnt know this, or is unable to decide for sure?

I mean look at how many Christian denominations there are! Look how many Muslim groups ther are!

Since the death and resurrection of Christ was the central event in the world’s history, how come there is so much doubt and confusion in the world about this?

How come the Lord was able to die and suffer, and redeem our fallen nature, but that the whole world doesnt know this or understand why this happened?

If Catholicism is the Truth, how come God the Father in His supreme mercy was able to allow God the Son to die on the cross, but has not infused this important event in our minds? How come most of the world does not belief in redemption of man through Jesus? How come God has not allowed all Christians too agree about Christainity, and exactly what is, and what we should believe?

Forget about the “whole world”. Some people believe, others don’t. Many people haven’t heard about the death and resurrection of Jesus because nobody told them about it. God cannot simply put the whole Gospel into every person’s mind. We have to be the apostels and we have to preach about Jesus. There’s no other way. God the Father allowed His Son to die in order to redeem the mankind. Are you suggesting that we should be born with the knowledge about it? Most media and politicians hate God and in fact they want to be gods, want to rule this world the way they want. God gave us freedom and many people use their freedom to do evil. God wants christians to live in unity but because of a sin of disobiedience (reformation) we don’t. Don’t be so naive, this world is not perfect and will never be. Christianity especially catholicism has a lot of enemies. If you want to know what you should believe just obey the pope. God bless.

 

[MH84]

Forget about the “whole world”. Some people believe, others don’t.

But that is what this thread is about. So everybody doesnt need to know as long as you know yourself?

God cannot simply put the whole Gospel into every person’s mind.

He “cannot”? Please don’t tell me what He can and can’t do. Please tell me maybe why you think He does things in certain ways, but don’t tell me He “cannot”.

We have to be the apostels and we have to preach about Jesus.

Oh, you must be an evangelist, then. You are brave and very knowledgeable.

Are you suggesting that we should be born with the knowledge about it?

Is that wrong?

Most media and politicians hate God and in fact they want to be gods, want to rule this world the way they want.

You must be going well with the evangelisation with this attitude.

Don’t be so naive, this world is not perfect and will never be.

I didnt say its perfect. What is wrong with wondering why the whole world doesn’t know which religion is right and why Catholicism doesn’t stand out head and shoulders above other religions. A positive about Catholicism though, is that its probably has the highest number of members out of every religion, besides Islam. But Islam is divided as well amonst its members.

If you want to know what you should believe just obey the pope.

I know, I’m Catholic. But try telling that to the 4 or 5 billion people in the world who are not Catholic.

 

[paarsurrey]

But how come the whole world doesnt know this, or is unable to decide for sure?

Since the death and resurrection of Christ was the central event in the world’s history, how come there is so much doubt and confusion in the world about this?

Hi

I don’t agree with you. Jesus was only for the Jews and he had nothing to do with the whole world, so the whole world doesn’t know him.

Jesus , in my opinion, did not die on Cross and hence no question of his resurrection. For the same reason this is not the central event in the world’s history.

In my opinion only Catholics got confused being influenced by religious philosophy of Paul; Jesus was a straightforward man , he confused nobody.

Thanks

 

[MH84]

Hi

I don’t agree with you. Jesus was only for the Jews and he had nothing to do with the whole world, so the whole world doesn’t know him.

Jesus , in my opinion, did not die on Cross and hence no question of his resurrection. For the same reason this is not the central event in the world’s history.

In my opinion only Catholics got confused being influenced by religious philosophy of Paul; Jesus was a straightforward man , he confused nobody.

Thanks

Hi paarsurrey

How come the apostles did not stop Paul if he was leading the church in the wrong way?

Also, what do you think was the central event in the world’s history? Has it occurred yet?

 

[abucs]

MH84,

perhaps we should think of coming closer to God as a process and not as a 1 semester course that after a brief period we know everything that needs to be known. In that way, we have to be given an incomplete picture, otherwise who would search for God ? And is not God really found in our searching and opening up spiritually rather than in completed textbooks ?

Perhaps we should think of the CC as an invitation from God to know him through a process of spirituality given certain (CC) truths.

As far as the whole world is concerned, have faith.
God is still there and he hasn’t finished yet.

Your thoughts assume that ‘God has finished with us’ and you conjecture that it is not enough.

Perhaps that Saudi woman you speak of will be touched in a new and powerful way. And if not her, perhaps her grandchildren.

Who knows. The Lady of Guadelupe converted millions of Indians (a whole nation) in less than a 10 year period.

Perhaps some parts of the world have to learn lessons first before turning to him in spirit. Perhaps the example of inadequate spirituality needs to be there as an alternative to show us other ways, like communism, although attractive, are not ultimately viable.

Think of the apostles heading out from Jerusalem in 33 AD. They probably had the same thoughts about the people of India, Europe and North Africa.

God has his ways and his timings i think.