Jews--Christians--Muslims...same God?

[NoSurrender]

Quote:

1.There is absolutely no question that Allah was worshipped by the pagan Arabs as one of many polytheistic gods.
2.Allah was worshipped in the Kabah at Mecca before Muhammad was born. Muhammad merely proclaimed a god the Meccans were already familiar with. The pagan Arabs never accused Muhammad of preaching a different Allah than the one they already worshipped.
1.Many scholars say “Allah” is derived from a compound Arabic word, AL + ILAH = Allah. “Ilah” in Arabic is “God” and “Al” in Arabic is a definite article like our word “the”. So from an English equivalent “Allah” comes from “The + God”. Others, like Arthur Jeffery say, “The common theory is that it is formed from ilah, the common word for a god, and the article al-; thus al-ilah, the god,” becomes Allah, “God.” This theory, however, is untenable. In fact, the name is one of the words borrowed into the language in pre-Islamic times from Aramaic." (Islam: Muhammad and His Religion, Arthur Jeffery, 1958, p 85)
1.Although “Allah” has become known as the proper name for the Muslim god, Allah is not a name, but a descriptor that means literally, “the god”. All pagan cultures have these generic terms that refer to their “top god” as “the god”. In comparison to the perfect monotheism of Judaism and Christianity, “Allah” was originally no more a proper name for the Muslim God, than the word Hebrew “elohim” (god) or Greek “theos” (god) are proper names of the one true God of the Bible. “Jehovah” is the only revealed proper name for the “Elohim” of the Old Testament ( Ex 3:13; 6:3) and “Jesus” is the only revealed proper name of “Theos” in the New Testament. (Acts 4:12) Islam has no proper name for their god, but merely transformed, by universal use and confusion, the generic Allah into a proper name. So although today, Muslims use “Allah” as a proper name, it was never used this way originally. Allah, therefore is equivalent to “elohim” and “ho theos” but not “Jehovah” or “Jesus”. Allah is not the name of the nameless Muslim God. However Muslims will claim that Allah is the name of God that corresponds to Jehovah. Both the Father and the Son are called “ho theos” (The God). Jesus is called “The God” many times in the New Testament: John 20:28; Heb 1:8. An important conclusion from this, is that the mere fact that “Allah” is equivalent to “elohim” and “ho theos” does not mean they are directly corresponded. It certainly doesn’t prove Allah is the same as the God of the Old or New Testament. It does not prove that Muslim’s worship the same God as Christians. If this correspondence proved the Muslim god was the same as the Christian God, then because pagan religions also have generics that correspond to “the god” (Allah), this correspondence would also prove that Allah is the same god as the Buddhist god, for Buddhists also refer to their god as “the god”.

 

[nmgauss]

The Bible is full of evidence that Jesus was the Son of God, He was meant to be worshiped and the Jesus in the Bible/history is far different from the Jesus of the Qur’an.

Why do the four Gospels have different portrayals of Jesus? Which one is right?
If the Jesus in the Bible is far different than the Jesus of the Qur’an and the Jesus is different from Gospel to Gospel, which one is the closest to being the true Jesus?

The Gospels were not meant to be biographies of Jesus. Their purpose was to propagate the Good News.

 

[MissyB786]

RE: Jesus(PBUH) crucifixion

Luke 24.1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.

Why would you take spices to a dead person? Unless someone can explain to me what the tradition was?

John 20:17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Why would he tell them not to touch him, there r different versions some say cling, some say touch, if someone is overjoyed to see someone. Also why does Jesus have a God, i thought he was God. I don’t mean to be rude, but the verses don’t make sense, unless someone can explain to me why would he ascend to his God and their God if he is God himself.

Psalm 17:7 Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Psalm 18:3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

Shows the mercy of God, that he would not do that to a Prophet, let alone his ‘son’ but again Muslims believe him to be a Prophet.

Luke 4.10-12 for scripture says: He has given his angels orders about you, to guard you, and again. They will carry you in their arms in case you trip over a stone.But Jesus answered him, 'Scripture says: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.

I know this Psalm is about satan testing Jesus(PBUH) but even Satan acknowledges God will protect you, and there are lots of other psalsm and verses about God’s protection which is why we acknowledge God would not put one of his Prophets through this. Psalm 91.10, Psalm 91 14-16.

In my own opinion, I learn more from Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) life than Jesus(PBUH) according to biblical scriptures. The Prophet Muhammed(PBUH) went through a lifetime worth of pain and persecution, he experienced innumerable losses yet he persevered with patience, grateful and humble for the little God had given him. It shows me that what good or bad I may get in my life, I should always be grateful to God cos even tho I may not get things in this life I will get an eternity of things in the next life. So the sacrifices and life of Muhammed(PBUH) gives me great strength.

 

[MissyB786]

Roman 4:25 because they exchanged God’s truth for a lie and have worshipped and served the creature instead of the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

For me this sums up Christianity, that it is a worship of creation, rather than the creator. Ultimately if Jesus(PBUH) is the son of God, he is still a creation, a son ‘made’ still inferior to God I know there are Christians that have explained to me that Jesus is God’s word incarnate, but the human form is still created. So is Jesus a son, or god incarnate?

Roman 3:31 Are we saying that the Law has been made pointless by faith? Out of the question; we are placing the Law on its true footing.

**Very interesting passage about circumcised and uncircumcised people, i think probably symbolizing those that their faith is in their heart and not how they dress, however this verse 3:31 says does it then make the laws pointless NO the laws r still the laws. So why do Christians eat pork, not be circumcised etc… I have many Christian friends that actually do follow it, but its cos they choose to follow that part of the bible. So if anything more Jews and Muslims follow the biblical law then Christians. **

I’m comflicted by Roman.6:1 What should we say then? Should we remain in sin so that grace may be given the more fully?Chapter 6.12 That is why you must not allow sin to reign over your mortal bodies and make you obey their desires;

So Jesus(PBUH) died for our sins, and those that r dead cannot sin, so people r in God’s grace for Jesus having died for u and being resurrected is to symbolise a new life ‘sin free’ so by accepting Jesus people r new born and are free from Sin? Christianity believing on original sin and baptism as a way to be removed from it, but Islam acknowledge everyone is born sinless and only as you acquire knowledge and become adults do u gain sin, I find it hard to believe a new born child has sin.

Roman 7:13 Does that mean that something good resulted in my dying? Out of the question! But sin, in order to be identified as sin, caused my death through that good thing, and so it is by means of the commandment that sin shows its unbounded sinful power. 14 We are well aware that the Law is spiritual: but I am a creature of flesh and blood sold as a slave to sin.17 so it is not myself acting, but the sin which lives in me.

Jesus acknowledges he is a creature, and therefore a creation. PS how can God sin or sin live in God? rather Blasphemous unless I am getting the interpretation wrong

Rather confusing Chapter Roman unless someone wishes to clarify what it means.

 

[MartinJordan]

Roman 4:25 because they exchanged God’s truth for a lie and have worshipped and served the creature instead of the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

For me this sums up Christianity, that it is a worship of creation, rather than the creator. Ultimately if Jesus(PBUH) is the son of God, he is still a creation, a son ‘made’ still inferior to God I know there are Christians that have explained to me that Jesus is God’s word incarnate, but the human form is still created. So is Jesus a son, or god incarnate?

Roman 3:31 Are we saying that the Law has been made pointless by faith? Out of the question; we are placing the Law on its true footing.

**Very interesting passage about circumcised and uncircumcised people, i think probably symbolizing those that their faith is in their heart and not how they dress, however this verse 3:31 says does it then make the laws pointless NO the laws r still the laws. So why do Christians eat pork, not be circumcised etc… I have many Christian friends that actually do follow it, but its cos they choose to follow that part of the bible. So if anything more Jews and Muslims follow the biblical law then Christians. **

I’m comflicted by Roman.6:1 What should we say then? Should we remain in sin so that grace may be given the more fully?Chapter 6.12 That is why you must not allow sin to reign over your mortal bodies and make you obey their desires;

So Jesus(PBUH) died for our sins, and those that r dead cannot sin, so people r in God’s grace for Jesus having died for u and being resurrected is to symbolise a new life ‘sin free’ so by accepting Jesus people r new born and are free from Sin? Christianity believing on original sin and baptism as a way to be removed from it, but Islam acknowledge everyone is born sinless and only as you acquire knowledge and become adults do u gain sin, I find it hard to believe a new born child has sin.

Roman 7:13 Does that mean that something good resulted in my dying? Out of the question! But sin, in order to be identified as sin, caused my death through that good thing, and so it is by means of the commandment that sin shows its unbounded sinful power. 14 We are well aware that the Law is spiritual: but I am a creature of flesh and blood sold as a slave to sin.17 so it is not myself acting, but the sin which lives in me.

Jesus acknowledges he is a creature, and therefore a creation. PS how can God sin or sin live in God? rather Blasphemous unless I am getting the interpretation wrong

Rather confusing Chapter Roman unless someone wishes to clarify what it means.

Missy seriously… Christians aren’t foolish.

MJ

 

[MissyB786]

Missy seriously… Christians aren’t foolish.

MJ

? What is that supposed to mean? Doesn’t explain nething to me. Did I say Christians are foolish, I just posted something with my interpretation of it and an asked for explanation which Im sure many on this forum can give.

 

[MartinJordan]

? What is that supposed to mean? Doesn’t explain nething to me. Did I say Christians are foolish, I just posted something with my interpretation of it and an asked for explanation which Im sure many on this forum can give.

You are already condemning Christianity by saying we worship Creation. I don’t think you are ready to understand the scriptures unless you are willing to be open to it.

MJ

 

[MissyB786]

You are already condemning Christianity by saying we worship Creation. I don’t think you are ready to understand the scriptures unless you are willing to be open to it.

MJ

I have read it but I find peace in the Quran, so I don’t believe there is anything for me to open up to.

 

[MartinJordan]

I have read it but I find peace in the Quran, so I don’t believe there is anything for me to open up to.

I pray you find peace in God.

MJ

 

[sgent]

I thought it might be instructive to present a Jewish view on this question, since it does mention Jews in the subject and I haven’t seen any other commentaries…

This is actually a fairly complicated question when approached from a Jewish point of view. First, an understanding of our relationship with non-Jews must be understood:

Jews do not believe that they have a monopoly on having a relationship with God, and believe that the righteous of all nations have a place in the world to come. However, we do believe that all people must abide by the seven Noahide Laws which were given to all mankind by the end of the flood. The laws are found throughout Genisis, but they are summarized by the Talmud:

“The children of Noah were commanded with seven commandments: [to establish] laws, and [to prohibit] cursing God, idolatry, illicit sexuality, bloodshed, robbery, and eating flesh from a living animal (Sanhedrin 56a; cf. Tosefta Avodah Zarah 8:4 and Genesis Rabbah 34:8).”

Maimonides, probably the most famous post-biblical rabbi, was of the opinion that Muslim’s have the same understanding of God as Jews and there is no question about whether they violate the laws regarding idolatry - they don’t.

Christians are a different matter, as the idea of a trinity is inherently idolatrous for Jews – but is the same for non-Jews?. Our sages eventually agreed that Christians believe they are monotheistic, and even if we don’t completely buy into the idea, their belief they are monotheistic is acceptable for purposes of a non-Jew.

The above works for non-Jews, but for Jews there is a different issue. Jews who adopt a non-Jewish view of God are considered apostates, and cannot be counted in a minyan (congregation) or be part of the community until they openly repent. In practice this means they must undergo a process in front of a Rabbinical Court, and a ritual clensing in the Milkvah.

It may be instructional that any Jew practicing as a Christian who professes belief in a trinitarian god would have to undergo this process. This requirement does not apply to Jews who are practicing Muslims and decide to return, as they never became apostates.

 

[J_the_Centrist]

We will NEVER agree about this whether Christian, Jew, or Muslim. How can we agree with each other, while we can’t even agree between our own denominations and sects? All we can do is agree to disagree and wish each other God’s love. I grew up with all three of these faiths in my own home, so I am very familiar with the nonsense ALL sides throw at each other. You won’t get the typical secular repressive response that Christians are to blame for all of the worlds problems, nor will you get the neo-con view that Muslims are the biggest problem, or the Jews, which can be found among “anti-Zionist” groups and that is an umbrella term.

I have read the scriptures of all these, I own a Tanakh, a Quran (read it twice), and of course The Holy Bible; the New Testament is my very breath and the essence of my entire being. Despite this, that doesn’t mean that I love my non-Christian relatives and friends any less. I don’t pretend to know God’s intentions or who is going to paradise and who is going to be damned, one would have to be a sick mental patient to even want that responsibility.

I am very aware that most of you (regardless of your background) haven’t had the upbringing I had and this inevitably will make it more difficult for you. Just try not to judge and leave that to the Most High God, or you too (regardless of your background) will one day be judged!

The God of Peace be With You All!!!

 

[J_the_Centrist]

I thought it might be instructive to present a Jewish view on this question, since it does mention Jews in the subject and I haven’t seen any other commentaries…

This is actually a fairly complicated question when approached from a Jewish point of view. First, an understanding of our relationship with non-Jews must be understood:

Jews do not believe that they have a monopoly on having a relationship with God, and believe that the righteous of all nations have a place in the world to come. However, we do believe that all people must abide by the seven Noahide Laws which were given to all mankind by the end of the flood. The laws are found throughout Genisis, but they are summarized by the Talmud:

“The children of Noah were commanded with seven commandments: [to establish] laws, and [to prohibit] cursing God, idolatry, illicit sexuality, bloodshed, robbery, and eating flesh from a living animal (Sanhedrin 56a; cf. Tosefta Avodah Zarah 8:4 and Genesis Rabbah 34:8).”

Maimonides, probably the most famous post-biblical rabbi, was of the opinion that Muslim’s have the same understanding of God as Jews and there is no question about whether they violate the laws regarding idolatry - they don’t.

Christians are a different matter, as the idea of a trinity is inherently idolatrous for Jews – but is the same for non-Jews?. Our sages eventually agreed that Christians believe they are monotheistic, and even if we don’t completely buy into the idea, their belief they are monotheistic is acceptable for purposes of a non-Jew.

The above works for non-Jews, but for Jews there is a different issue. Jews who adopt a non-Jewish view of God are considered apostates, and cannot be counted in a minyan (congregation) or be part of the community until they openly repent. In practice this means they must undergo a process in front of a Rabbinical Court, and a ritual clensing in the Milkvah.

It may be instructional that any Jew practicing as a Christian who professes belief in a trinitarian god would have to undergo this process. This requirement does not apply to Jews who are practicing Muslims and decide to return, as they never became apostates.

This is good to know, but this is NOT a view shared by all Jews and I know this for certain. This sounds like a common secular repressive “everyone is good except Christians” type of post, but from a Jewish perspective. How would believing in a prophet not ordained by God be acceptable to the Jews you speak of? This is not my view, it is yours and it is not even consistent with reality. Leave the judgement to God, you will be better off.

Do you work for the ACLU, SPLC, FFRF, or just a troll?

 

[J_the_Centrist]

I pray you find peace in God.

MJ

Maybe she has found peace, I am absolutely certain that God gives His peace to Muslims. Maybe she is just curious about our faith and is trying to answer questions she doesn’t understand. I agree that her approach was uncalled for and I thought that I found common ground with her a few weeks ago, but then she started throwing mud and you responded by throwing mud to, so congratulations to you both.

 

[suedehead]

I thought it might be instructive to present a Jewish view on this question, since it does mention Jews in the subject and I haven’t seen any other commentaries…

This is actually a fairly complicated question when approached from a Jewish point of view. First, an understanding of our relationship with non-Jews must be understood:

Jews do not believe that they have a monopoly on having a relationship with God, and believe that the righteous of all nations have a place in the world to come. However, we do believe that all people must abide by the seven Noahide Laws which were given to all mankind by the end of the flood. The laws are found throughout Genisis, but they are summarized by the Talmud:

“The children of Noah were commanded with seven commandments: [to establish] laws, and [to prohibit] cursing God, idolatry, illicit sexuality, bloodshed, robbery, and eating flesh from a living animal (Sanhedrin 56a; cf. Tosefta Avodah Zarah 8:4 and Genesis Rabbah 34:8).”

Maimonides, probably the most famous post-biblical rabbi, was of the opinion that Muslim’s have the same understanding of God as Jews and there is no question about whether they violate the laws regarding idolatry - they don’t.

Christians are a different matter, as the idea of a trinity is inherently idolatrous for Jews – but is the same for non-Jews?. Our sages eventually agreed that Christians believe they are monotheistic, and even if we don’t completely buy into the idea, their belief they are monotheistic is acceptable for purposes of a non-Jew.

The above works for non-Jews, but for Jews there is a different issue. Jews who adopt a non-Jewish view of God are considered apostates, and cannot be counted in a minyan (congregation) or be part of the community until they openly repent. In practice this means they must undergo a process in front of a Rabbinical Court, and a ritual clensing in the Milkvah.

It may be instructional that any Jew practicing as a Christian who professes belief in a trinitarian god would have to undergo this process. This requirement does not apply to Jews who are practicing Muslims and decide to return, as they never became apostates.

Thanks for sharing this.

J the Centrist – the ACLU/troll comment was uncalled for.

 

[Little_Star_1]

As a Christian, I believe this whole thing is settled by something taught by Jesus and, more often than not, overlooked by Christians. The Word that gives the law is but part of being a Christian, a very little part. It is what is in your heart that make you a Child of God and a servant of God. So, whatever your beliefs, if you fail to give love to all in all that you do, you are lost until you do. Worshiping God, Christ, is more of a matter of putting on the Christ mind. If you read Daniel, you get a good dose of what Jesus was talking about. The Christ mind is not about laws, it is about a dedication of the heart. One is able to do this no matter what they may call themselves. It is just that in a Christian context, it is called the Christ Mind. The concept is not solely for Christians. It can also be called Walking with God. All of us get hung up in words. Seriously folks, our minds can get beyond this. Our hearts must.

I sure know one thing, running around calling ourselves Christians and condemning folks, saying who it out and who is in, is not of God no matter what your religion. This is to be a personal journey worked out between the individual and God. I don’t care what you call yourself, if you aren’t waking up with love of life, God, and ALL of humanity in your heart everyday, you have a great deal of work to do. Nothing a Christian or a Muslim believes was not first touched upon by our Jewish fathers. We are ONE. Like it or not, in God we are ONE. I include all other religions in this as well. God will judge the fall out when the time comes. He does His job quite well and in a manner that shall always be a mystery to us, accept that.

Are there Christians out there that think Jesus is filtering out the prayers of Jews and Muslims that are made in love to our Father? You really believe that He thinks like “can’t help Abdul, he is a Muslim”? Or, forget what Abraham has asked as he is Jewish"? Get real folks. How limited do you think Christ is? Holding on to human definitions of the truth is limiting. The Truth can never be held in our minds, not the whole TRUTH. So, love God and each other to the best of your ability with the faith you call your own. Let yours be a living faith.

 

[suedehead]

As a Christian, I believe this whole thing is settled by something taught by Jesus and, more often than not, overlooked by Christians. The Word that gives the law is but part of being a Christian, a very little part. It is what is in your heart that make you a Child of God and a servant of God. So, whatever your beliefs, if you fail to give love to all in all that you do, you are lost until you do. Worshiping God, Christ, is more of a matter of putting on the Christ mind. If you read Daniel, you get a good dose of what Jesus was talking about. The Christ mind is not about laws, it is about a dedication of the heart. One is able to do this no matter what they may call themselves. It is just that in a Christian context, it is called the Christ Mind. The concept is not solely for Christians. It can also be called Walking with God. All of us get hung up in words. Seriously folks, our minds can get beyond this. Our hearts must.

I sure know one thing, running around calling ourselves Christians and condemning folks, saying who it out and who is in, is not of God no matter what your religion. This is to be a personal journey worked out between the individual and God. I don’t care what you call yourself, if you aren’t waking up with love of life, God, and ALL of humanity in your heart everyday, you have a great deal of work to do. Nothing a Christian or a Muslim believes was not first touched upon by our Jewish fathers. We are ONE. Like it or not, in God we are ONE. I include all other religions in this as well. God will judge the fall out when the time comes. He does His job quite well and in a manner that shall always be a mystery to us, accept that.

Are there Christians out there that think Jesus is filtering out the prayers of Jews and Muslims that are made in love to our Father? You really believe that He thinks like “can’t help Abdul, he is a Muslim”? Or, forget what Abraham has asked as he is Jewish"? Get real folks. How limited do you think Christ is? Holding on to human definitions of the truth is limiting. The Truth can never be held in our minds, not the whole TRUTH. So, love God and each other to the best of your ability with the faith you call your own. Let yours be a living faith.

Hear hear! Well said.

It’s worth noting doctrine does declare that even those not exposed to the teachings of Jesus or even to the knowledge of His existence are saved if they live out compassion and love of neighbor, because those virtues demonstrate love of God even when ignorant of Him.

 

[nmgauss]

As a Christian, I believe this whole thing is settled by something taught by Jesus and, more often than not, overlooked by Christians. The Word that gives the law is but part of being a Christian, a very little part. It is what is in your heart that make you a Child of God and a servant of God. So, whatever your beliefs, if you fail to give love to all in all that you do, you are lost until you do. Worshiping God, Christ, is more of a matter of putting on the Christ mind. If you read Daniel, you get a good dose of what Jesus was talking about. The Christ mind is not about laws, it is about a dedication of the heart. One is able to do this no matter what they may call themselves. It is just that in a Christian context, it is called the Christ Mind. The concept is not solely for Christians. It can also be called Walking with God. All of us get hung up in words. Seriously folks, our minds can get beyond this. Our hearts must.

I sure know one thing, running around calling ourselves Christians and condemning folks, saying who it out and who is in, is not of God no matter what your religion. This is to be a personal journey worked out between the individual and God. I don’t care what you call yourself, if you aren’t waking up with love of life, God, and ALL of humanity in your heart everyday, you have a great deal of work to do. Nothing a Christian or a Muslim believes was not first touched upon by our Jewish fathers. We are ONE. Like it or not, in God we are ONE. I include all other religions in this as well. God will judge the fall out when the time comes. He does His job quite well and in a manner that shall always be a mystery to us, accept that.

Are there Christians out there that think Jesus is filtering out the prayers of Jews and Muslims that are made in love to our Father? You really believe that He thinks like “can’t help Abdul, he is a Muslim”? Or, forget what Abraham has asked as he is Jewish"? Get real folks. How limited do you think Christ is? Holding on to human definitions of the truth is limiting. The Truth can never be held in our minds, not the whole TRUTH. So, love God and each other to the best of your ability with the faith you call your own. Let yours be a living faith.

So, you are emphasizing the mystical elements of being Christian instead of the ones derived from the Logos. Muslims originally were very philosophical, but along came the Sufis, and changed a significant subset of Islam.

 

[Little_Star_1]

Logos is the word incarnate. So, no, I am not emphasizing the mystical (though walking with God most certainly has what is called “mystical” inherent within it) over the Word. You can’t live your life as an experience of worship without the Word and the understanding that the Word is meant to come to life as we live it. The Word leads to the “Life”. I am saying God, as is stated pretty frequently, is no respecter of persons. Folks running around saying this person or that person is going to Hell is not respectful of God.

I think that one can love God and experience, and depending on that person’s Godly prescribed journey, may experience something people label mystical. I don’t like the term as I think it is a pretty natural part of man’s existence. The Old Testament is about one mystical experience of man after another.

However, there are those people, for one reason or another, which is only understood by God, that may not experience this, be it their faith, their intellect, their religious training, whatever. If they are filled with the love of God and put that out into the world in every way they can, I am not going to say, sorry, you called your faith by the wrong name, gave recognition to the wrong words in describing your love of God, your view of God, you lose. That is nuts. Jesus said that whoever does the will of God is His brother. Paul said not to be going around condemning other faiths and arguing over words. Yet, there are folks out there that absolutely delight in doing this and giving predictions that whole members of other faiths are going to hell. Come on, how can this type of thinking be justified in the name of God? It can’t folks, it simply can’t.

Given that thousands of years of history has shown us what this type of behavior leads to, you would think we would be beyond behaving in this way. Any man, of any group, that points a hateful finger at another faith, is denying the power and love of God. If we keep it up, well, what does the Old Testament, upon which all three faiths are based, say is going to happen? I think the Hindus also believe this is going to be the fate of man.

This is what you do if you love God, you take care of the poor, you do that which is just, you love each and every neighbor and live that in the way you conduct your life and your speech, you hate oppression of any kind, your lift up your heart to God in thanks and in prayer that we all come to see Him in His glory. You say “I love you” because He loves me.

 

[Little_Star_1]

You know what would be an interesting discussion? A discussion among members of different faiths on how they experienced, saw, felt, God today or yesterday? How did God make Himself known to you today? A new job, a new place to live, met someone that you know you could fall in love with, got a new puppy, watched the sun rise, your kid hugged you, etc. Now a discussion like that would be living God.

 

[nmgauss]

You know what would be an interesting discussion? A discussion among members of different faiths on how they experienced, saw, felt, God today or yesterday? How did God make Himself known to you today? A new job, a new place to live, met someone that you know you could fall in love with, got a new puppy, watched the sun rise, your kid hugged you, etc. Now a discussion like that would be living God.

You assume that people are looking for a personal god, one that responds to individual needs. Muslims originally were not looking for a personal God. Neither were ancient Jews. Hindus believe in Brahman, which is so remote, hardly any Hindu has any idea of who this person is. Perhaps that is why they invented Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma.