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PilgrimJWT
Guest
I have always wondered how the genuine voice of God can be distinguished from a figment of our overactive imagination?
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asquared
Guest
do a search, there are a lot of good threads out there on discernment, especially on the spirituality forum. In a nutshell, if you hear what you want to hear, it is probably your own inner voice and imagination, if you hear a prompting to something that is sinful, uncharitable, divisive, offensive etc. it is probably Satan, if you hear something that can sound a lot like “Take up your cross and follow ME” it is probably God. If what you hear makes you more depressed, leads you away from prayer, good works, moral choices and spiritual life it is probably from the evil one our your own inclinations; if what you hear is uplifting and leads to to increase in prayer, charity, good choices, and spiritual growth, it is probably from God.
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Scott_Waddell
Guest
Good question. I don’t know but I will point out that this is one reason why private revelation is never binding on anyone but the one who receives it.
Scott
Scott
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BayCityRickL
Guest
Like the previous post, I think all believers are called by God, and for most, it may be that God simply speaks through our intellect and conscience. We cannot conceive of the truth in any other form than that which we have accepted, and, thank God, most people progress in their conviction of faith.
To press for further evidence or testimony of God becomes a form of insult to God, in rejecting what He has revealed and the way in which it has been revealed. I think it is magnificent to have come to the realization and conviction in my own life that the will of God is perfect.
The Church teaches that all that is required for salvation has been given to us in general revelation, which ended with the death of the last of the original apostles.
To press for further evidence or testimony of God becomes a form of insult to God, in rejecting what He has revealed and the way in which it has been revealed. I think it is magnificent to have come to the realization and conviction in my own life that the will of God is perfect.
The Church teaches that all that is required for salvation has been given to us in general revelation, which ended with the death of the last of the original apostles.
J
John_19_59
Guest
I have always wondered how the genuine voice of God can be distinguished from a figment of our overactive imagination?
I’ve given up trying to work it out. I’ve seen too many people convinced that God is leading them to be… homosexual, a woman priest, a JW, a Mormon etc…
I think you can only be sure God speaks externally through His Church - and then only under special circumstances.
Although why it’s has to be this way, I don’t understand.
I’m sure people of a skeptical nature would understandably tell you though.
Hope in God - cling to it. What else is there?
I’ve given up trying to work it out. I’ve seen too many people convinced that God is leading them to be… homosexual, a woman priest, a JW, a Mormon etc…
I think you can only be sure God speaks externally through His Church - and then only under special circumstances.
Although why it’s has to be this way, I don’t understand.
I’m sure people of a skeptical nature would understandably tell you though.
Hope in God - cling to it. What else is there?
J
jeffreedy789
Guest
ok - God certainly speaks to us in our hearts today. the church affirms this, as does Scripture.
how do you know if it’s God and not your imagination? well, to begin, this presents a bit of a false dichotomy. cs lewis points out in ‘surprised by joy’ the concept of our imaginations being baptized. in other words, sometimes God does indeed speak to us THROUGH our imaginations.
now, the ‘little voice inside’ can tell you all sorts of things. if it disagrees with scripture, the teachings of the church, the wise counsel of a Godly friend, or your conscience, then it’s not God speaking - could be the enemy, could be your flesh, could be the world (you culture and environment, i mean), could be too much pizza last night.
but God has taught me so much right in my heart. He led me to the catholic church that way, among other things. He speaks in a still, small voice, and He speaks constantly. we hear Him best when we have confessed our sins, and it ‘fine tunes’ our hearing to fast. prayer, to a large extent, is listening to that still small voice, as much (or more) as it is talking TO God.
one thing that helps you determine God’s voice from your own (or the enemy’s) is to immerse yourself in Scripture and in the Eucharist. when you learn to recognize ‘His voice’ from scripture, it makes it easier to do so in your heart. the Bible says that His sheep hear His voice. it’s a matter of learning to have sheepish ears.
a final thought on the baptism of the imagination thing - sometimes when i’m at mass, or in eucharistic adoration, or praying the rosary, or just praying, i’ll let my mind wander around. if it gets tied up in something worrisome or sinful, i rope it back in, but let it wander again. very often, God uses this ‘wandering’ to teach me things about my life, and i’ve gotten lots of insights by allowing the shepherd to guide my thoughts to greener pastures.
God bless you as you learn to hear His gentle whispers of love.
how do you know if it’s God and not your imagination? well, to begin, this presents a bit of a false dichotomy. cs lewis points out in ‘surprised by joy’ the concept of our imaginations being baptized. in other words, sometimes God does indeed speak to us THROUGH our imaginations.
now, the ‘little voice inside’ can tell you all sorts of things. if it disagrees with scripture, the teachings of the church, the wise counsel of a Godly friend, or your conscience, then it’s not God speaking - could be the enemy, could be your flesh, could be the world (you culture and environment, i mean), could be too much pizza last night.
but God has taught me so much right in my heart. He led me to the catholic church that way, among other things. He speaks in a still, small voice, and He speaks constantly. we hear Him best when we have confessed our sins, and it ‘fine tunes’ our hearing to fast. prayer, to a large extent, is listening to that still small voice, as much (or more) as it is talking TO God.
one thing that helps you determine God’s voice from your own (or the enemy’s) is to immerse yourself in Scripture and in the Eucharist. when you learn to recognize ‘His voice’ from scripture, it makes it easier to do so in your heart. the Bible says that His sheep hear His voice. it’s a matter of learning to have sheepish ears.
a final thought on the baptism of the imagination thing - sometimes when i’m at mass, or in eucharistic adoration, or praying the rosary, or just praying, i’ll let my mind wander around. if it gets tied up in something worrisome or sinful, i rope it back in, but let it wander again. very often, God uses this ‘wandering’ to teach me things about my life, and i’ve gotten lots of insights by allowing the shepherd to guide my thoughts to greener pastures.
God bless you as you learn to hear His gentle whispers of love.
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