Why is God so silent?

[ILoveTheLordGod]

When people have heated debates as to whether something is moral or not, why couldn’t God just show up? I know that we have the Bible, but the Bible has so many grey areas to the point that there are so many different interpretations and circumstances in which the person needs counseling and the Bible is somewhat unclear about things. For example, in the case of dangerous pregnancy, there are some incidents in which either the mother or the child can live while the other would die, depending on whether the mother would opt for abortion or not. I’d consider this a grey area because the Bible says that killing is wrong. However, given this circumstance, one or the other would have to be killed inevitably. I mean, yes the church’s teaching says it is excusable, but then again, how do we know that this interpretation of God’s law is correct?

I’m a 17 year old boy so I’m pretty sure I am already in the stage where I start setting my beliefs and stances, and that includes doubts and uncertainties. I am not saying that my faith is shrinking, but I am just questioning things in a sort of “yes, i agree, but could you explain” way. Please understand where I’m coming from.

 

[Prodigal_Son]

I think that God is not so much concerned with our actions, but with our attitudes. Jesus did not come to earth and say “X is wrong”, “Y is wrong” and “Z is okay.”. He very thoroughly taught that we need to desire maturity, that we need to engage in selfless love, that we need to be transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus was not concerned with “morality”. He was concerned with us being holy and good.

In the case you discuss, an abortion (or a life-saving procedure that causes the child’s death, which is the same thing) is sometimes permissible, if we talk in terms of “morality”. But what would a woman transformed by God’s love do? Maybe she would allow herself and her baby to die, all the while praying for a miracle. Maybe she would have the abortion, out of love for those who love her and a desire to care for her other children.

We can’t say. Some things (adultery, rape) are never moral, but many things are a matter of prudential judgment. Christianity teaches that, in becoming like Jesus, our vision is radically changed.

You are asking for a God that, when we ask, gives us a fish. We have much more than that: a God who teaches us how to fish for ourselves.

 

[hazcompat]

David Haas
Canticle Of The Sun
The heavens are telling the glory of God,
And all creation is shouting for joy!
Come, dance in the forest, come, play in the field,
And sing, sing to the glory of the Lord!

Daniel 3:57-88, 56 (Canticle)

Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord
Praise and exalt Him above all forever
Angels of the Lord bless the Lord.
You heavens, bless the Lord
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord
All you hosts of the Lord, Bless the Lord
Sun and Moon, Bless the Lord
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord
Fire and Heat, bless the Lord

Cold and chill, bless the Lord
Dew and rain, bless the Lord
Frost and chill, bless the Lord
Ice and Snow, bless the Lord
Nights and days, bless the Lord
Light and darkness, bless the Lord
Lightings and clouds, bless the Lord

Let the earth bless the Lord
Praise and exalt Him above all forever.

Mountains and hills, bless the Lord
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord
You spirits, bless the Lord
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord
You sons of men, bless the Lord.

O Israel, bless the Lord
Praise and exalt Him above all forever.

Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.

Praise and exalt Him above all forever.

Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt Him above all forever
Blessed are you Lord, in the firmament of heaven. Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.

Peace

 

[Neofight]

When people have heated debates as to whether something is moral or not, why couldn’t God just show up? I know that we have the Bible, but the Bible has so many grey areas to the point that there are so many different interpretations and circumstances in which the person needs counseling and the Bible is somewhat unclear about things. For example, in the case of dangerous pregnancy, there are some incidents in which either the mother or the child can live while the other would die, depending on whether the mother would opt for abortion or not. I’d consider this a grey area because the Bible says that killing is wrong. However, given this circumstance, one or the other would have to be killed inevitably. I mean, yes the church’s teaching says it is excusable, but then again, how do we know that this interpretation of God’s law is correct?

I’m a 17 year old boy so I’m pretty sure I am already in the stage where I start setting my beliefs and stances, and that includes doubts and uncertainties. I am not saying that my faith is shrinking, but I am just questioning things in a sort of “yes, i agree, but could you explain” way. Please understand where I’m coming from.

God is not silent, we just aren’t always tuned in to hear Him. We expect to hear loud shouts, clapping thunder, or violent earthquakes when He speaks. But, because he speaks to us through our hearts, and not our ears, it might appear that he is silent, or at least just whispering.

Hearing with our hearts takes some practice to do this. And, it sounds like you are well on the way!

Doubts and uncertainties are part of our journey of faith, so don’t worry about that (in fact today’s gospel tells us not to worry about anything).
Just put your faith in the Lord and pray. God will give us what we need, and it appears that for one so young, He is already blessing you abundantly with the tools for faith formation.

Peace and Prayers!

 

[4love2God]

The OP asks :** " When people have heated debates as to whether something is moral or not, why couldn’t God just show up?"**

Well, first, God would like us to have Faith.
Man would NOT need Faith if God was always here, telling us what His Will is on every subject.

God tried this method once before, in the Garden of Eden.
He was there, and talked with Adam and Eve many times.
God provided ALL that they would ever need.
God, also, said there’s ONE thing that I don’t want you to do.
Even THAT amount of personal attention did not prevent Adam from sinning, and opening the World up to our Present Day pain and suffering.

Once Jesus was asked by a soul in the BAD part of the Afterlife, to tell this soul’s family about living a good-enough Life to NOT go here.
Jesus said: Hey, they got the Bible to read. If they had you return from the Dead and warn them, it would do NO good.

Since Jesus offered up that point of view … it answers the question: Why doesn’t God make a house-call to straighten people out?

 

[vsedriver]

When people have heated debates as to whether something is moral or not, why couldn’t God just show up?

I know that we have the Bible, but the Bible has so many grey areas to the point that there are so many different interpretations and circumstances in which the person needs counseling and the Bible is somewhat unclear about things.

The Bible has no grey areas. It is our lack of understanding that is grey. It is up to us to discern the true interpretation so as not to ‘create a God in our own image’. How do you know which interpretation is correct? Look to the church which is the pillar and bulwark of the truth.

For example, in the case of dangerous pregnancy, there are some incidents in which either the mother or the child can live while the other would die, depending on whether the mother would opt for abortion or not

.

how do you choose to take one life over another? Each life has equal value. You can’t deliberately kill one or the other. You can treat the mother extensively and if that treatment results in the death of the child then that is not the same as killing the child directly.

I’d consider this a grey area because the Bible says that killing is wrong.

The Bible does not say that killing is wrong. After all, killing in self defense is OK. The Bible says committing murder (taking an innocent life) is wrong.

However, given this circumstance, one or the other would have to be killed inevitably.

both the mother and child are innocent. To kill either no matter what the reason is to commit murder.

I mean, yes the church’s teaching says it is excusable, but then again, how do we know that this interpretation of God’s law is correct?

It is allowable to treat either the mother or child and if that treatment results in the death of one or the other that is a secondary result. It is still murder to deliberately kill one or the other. We know because the church’s teaching on faith and morals is protected by the Holy Spirit.

I’m a 17 year old boy so I’m pretty sure I am already in the stage where I start setting my beliefs and stances, and that includes doubts and uncertainties. I am not saying that my faith is shrinking, but I am just questioning things in a sort of “yes, i agree, but could you explain” way. Please understand where I’m coming from.

There is nothing wrong with asking questions and getting to know your faith better. You will find that it is incredibly beautiful and life affirming. Also remember that we are not here to have perfect lives on earth but to live for the eternal life that is to come.

 

[ASonOfGod]

He’s not silent, he only talks to those in his presence, and the majority of humans are still in a state of disconnect/sin.

 

[oldcelt]

It is inconsistent, to me, that a Deity would be so talkative for a short period of time and then fall silent for the next two thousand years. That is why I believe that God began creation to see what would happen. We are part of that, and my God is just as surprised as I am by how things work out,
So, be of good cheer. Nobody knows what is going to happen. We just have to work with what we have to make the best world we can. So far, we have had some terrible failures and some great triumphs. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but it’s bound to be interesting.

John

 

[Prodigal_Son]

It is inconsistent, to me, that a Deity would be so talkative for a short period of time and then fall silent for the next two thousand years.

Do you know about the Church Fathers? Have you read the lives of the saints? Have you heard of the charismatic renewal?

Any Christians that teach that God stopped talking just don’t know how to listen for him.

 

[4love2God]

oldcelt wonders : "It is inconsistent, to me, that a Deity would be so talkative for a short period of time, and then fall silent for the next two thousand years."

I’m not exactly sure what you mean, but it sounds like: God talked to people in Old and New Testament times. Why did He stop talking?
If this is what you mean, your premise is incorrect.

During these almost 2000 years since Jesus Christ returned to Heaven, to rule this new Kingdom of Heaven, things have NOT been quiet.
Jesus has tallked to MANY of the Saints over these 2000 years.
It started with Jesus talking with Apostle Paul, and has continued since then.

Jesus’ mother Mary has ALSO come to earth and talked to many Saints (including recently, Bernadette, at Lourdes in the 1850s … and Faustina in the 1930s).

And, many times God’s Angels have been sent to tell God’s Word to Saints (and non-Saints alike).
So, God has kept up His dialog with mankind ever since the beginning of mankind.

 

[oldcelt]

Do you know about the Church Fathers? Have you read the lives of the saints? Have you heard of the charismatic renewal?

Any Christians that teach that God stopped talking just don’t know how to listen for him.

There is a great difference between ecstatic revelation to a lay person or priest and preaching in the streets of Israel by the supposed Messiah or the inspiration of dozens of books by the Holy Spirit. Not much of that lately.

By the charismatic renewal are you referring to speaking in tongues (with corresponding interpretation), prophecy and faith healing that the hierarchy holds in widely varying regard?

 

[oldcelt]

oldcelt wonders : "It is inconsistent, to me, that a Deity would be so talkative for a short period of time, and then fall silent for the next two thousand years."

I’m not exactly sure what you mean, but it sounds like: God talked to people in Old and New Testament times. Why did He stop talking?
If this is what you mean, your premise is incorrect.

During these almost 2000 years since Jesus Christ returned to Heaven, to rule this new Kingdom of Heaven, things have NOT been quiet.
Jesus has tallked to MANY of the Saints over these 2000 years.
It started with Jesus talking with Apostle Paul, and has continued since then.

Jesus’ mother Mary has ALSO come to earth and talked to many Saints (including recently, Bernadette, at Lourdes in the 1850s … and Faustina in the 1930s).

And, many times God’s Angels have been sent to tell God’s Word to Saints (and non-Saints alike).
So, God has kept up His dialog with mankind ever since the beginning of mankind.

A great many of those instances fall under personal revelation. I confess to having missed the angelic apparitions. None of that even compares with the activity documented in the Bible.

 

[petras52]

A great many of those instances fall under personal revelation. I confess to having missed the angelic apparitions. None of that even compares with the activity documented in the Bible.

Not to steal your thread, but did the God of the OT ever appear to masses of people or was his appearance only to one at a time like with Moses?

 

[Bobby_Jim]

From Luke 16:27-31, the parable of Lazarus and the rich man:

27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

It’s kind of the same deal as the original poster’s question - God has sent many messengers and prophets, and people still don’t believe. Why would they suddenly believe if God Himself “showed up”?? If people have their hearts set against God, no proof is sufficient.

 

[BellsMom]

Well, first, God would like us to have Faith

This is a common answer to many Q’s about why god doesn’t make himself more clear or communicate with us more.

I disagree that manifesting himself or his voice would interfere with our free will to love him thru faith.

Knowing without doubt that he exists is not the same thing has loving and honoring him. For myself, I would need a lot questions answered before I could say that I “love” him.

All powerful doesn’t necessarily equal worthy of worship .

 

[ASonOfGod]

This is a common answer to many Q’s about why god doesn’t make himself more clear or communicate with us more.

I disagree that manifesting himself or his voice would interfere with our free will to love him thru faith.

Knowing without doubt that he exists is not the same thing has loving and honoring him. For myself, I would need a lot questions answered before I could say that I “love” him.

All powerful doesn’t necessarily equal worthy of worship .

Well, you all tend not to believe him when he does reveal himself anyway. So, those who find him are meant to, it’s programmed in their DNA. He tends to do what he has to do quietly and without a ruckus, then he enjoys his life until he transforms back into the “breaking down” cycle of the human body.

He doesn’t want worship, that’s his fallen sons. Divinity doesn’t require worship (Definition: Worship asserts the reality of its object and defines its meaning by reference to it.) So, El Elyon, the true God, Christs father… doesnt need anyone to define his meaning, he is love and is “most high” in knowledge, remembering, and love.

Why would you need a lot of questions answered before you can say you love him, that’s not unconditional love… which he has for you!

<3

 

[4love2God]

oldcelt says :
[1] "A great many of those instances fall under personal revelation.
[2] I confess to having missed the angelic apparitions.
[3] None of that even compares with the activity documented in the Bible."

[1]** A great many of those instances fall under personal revelation.**
I would fully agree with that statement.
In fact, I would say the same to those people who claim (just because the Acts of the Apostles claims that Jesus talked to Saint Paul), that it is simply a personal revelation.
And, let’s NOT forget that Moses also claimed to speak to God, as a personal revelation.
And, Adam, himself, has claimed a personal revelation of God (OR, at least the Bible said so).

[2] I confess to having missed the angelic apparitions.
You and me too, brother.
When I read that Gabriel appeared to Joseph and Mary, well, I (too) missed that angelic apparition.
And, all of the other times that angels appeared to Human Beings … I missed those too.
So, what is your point?

[3] ** None of that even compares with the activity documented in the Bible.**
Oh?
What activity in the Bible is SO {something}?
And, remember, the Bible is just FULL of those personal revelations.
So, if you don’t believe the revelations of the last 2000 years, then why bother with stuff written down 1000s of years ago?
What makes those events any more REAL than any other event?

Would you feel differently, if you knew that many people with personal revelations wrote their experiences down, and BOOKS were published?

And, how do you feel about the Healing Waters of Lourdes?
This little girl claims to have spoken to Mother Mary, a personal revelation.
Then, a spring comes forth, and MANY people have been healed (AND the spring has never run dry) for over 150 years.
If so, I guess that you ALSO ignore the messages Mother Mary gave to Bernadette.
Do you place this in the category of personal revelations too?

 

[oldcelt]

This is a common answer to many Q’s about why god doesn’t make himself more clear or communicate with us more.

I disagree that manifesting himself or his voice would interfere with our free will to love him thru faith.

Knowing without doubt that he exists is not the same thing has loving and honoring him. For myself, I would need a lot questions answered before I could say that I “love” him.

All powerful doesn’t necessarily equal worthy of worship .

I left Christianity because the all-loving, etc., etc., simply does not, nor has it ever matched up withe evidence.I still believe in God, I’m just not sure He even knows if we’re here and if He does has no control over our daily lives or events.

 

[oldcelt]

Not to steal your thread, but did the God of the OT ever appear to masses of people or was his appearance only to one at a time like with Moses?

One at a time in the OT, masses for about three years then nobody for 2000 years as I read it.

 

[Charlemagne_III]

When people have heated debates as to whether something is moral or not, why couldn’t God just show up?

He did show up and he settled everything on the cross 2,000 years ago.