What does God require of us to know him?

[rlj51]

In other words, how much or what kind of obstacles does God put in between himself and us? Do we need to study philosophy in order to come to the conclusion that he exists? Do we need to study scripture in order to know what he is like or what is required of us? Do we need evidence in order to be rational in our belief in God? How coercive is that evidence?

I know that is a lot of questions, but I would appreciate any thoughts anyone has!

[cloaked_dagger]

I don't think God really tries to put any obstacles in our way. It says in scripture (forgive me I cannot remember which verse) that anyone can find God if they search for him with their whole heart. Does that mean going into philosophy and areas such as that? It may, but I think these "obstacles" are not God-made but man-made, because a belief in God is formed by faith (and even sometimes by divine intervention).
To answer your other questions... Studying the Bible is our main tool, and God's Word, so of course it is one of the (if not the) best ways to learn about God and his teachings.
Do we need evidence for a rational belief? Only if you feel that your belief should matter to everyone else. As long as you know and have your own personal evidence, isn't that all that matters?

[rlj51]

Thank you cloaked_dagger.

So anyone can know who God is even though they were never exposed to Philosophy or the Bible? Obviously all the people that lived before the Bible was written did not have access to it, and some even today don't (although I am not sure how many that would be).

What other ways can we learn about God?

Is it ok for me to believe something without evidence?

Shouldn't belief in God matter to everyone?

[Sher]

Today @ 05:35 PM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=78816#post78816)
rlj51:

So anyone can know who God is even though they were never exposed to Philosophy or the Bible? Obviously all the people that lived before the Bible was written did not have access to it, and some even today don't (although I am not sure how many that would be).

Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse


What other ways can we learn about God?

Ps 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.

Ps 97:6 The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory.

:smile: Answering from Scripture just seemed appropriate there. Yes, we can know God without Philosophy, and even without the Bible (although, as was said, it is the Word of God and is therefor vital to understanding God and what He wants from us).


Is it ok for me to believe something without evidence?

Is it okay? Sure. Is it advisable? Nope.


Shouldn't belief in God matter to everyone?

Shouldn't it? Sure. Does it? Nope.

[cloaked_dagger]

So anyone can know who God is even though they were never exposed to Philosophy or the Bible?

I wouldn't say that they would know WHO He is without the Bible, unless of course there is some divine intervention, but it is possible that one could know He's there or that he exists without these things.


What other ways can we learn about God?

Do you mean besides the Bible? There are ways to learn about Him or his works indirectly, for example science (physics and biology in particular), our world is pulsing with details that support the idea of an Intelligent Designer. Other than this I can't think of much else... through love also I suppose. Maybe even history, or witnessing a miracle.


Is it ok for me to believe something without evidence?

Of course. That's what faith is. I don't need evidence to tell me God is there because I have faith that He exists. Some people take their faith a step further by trying to prove or even confirm it, but I would definitely say that it is not NEEDED. Though if you wanted to prove your point to someone else it would help.


Shouldn't belief in God matter to everyone?

It should... But the sad fact is that it doesn't.

[Sher]

Today @ 07:27 PM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=78939#post78939)
cloaked_dagger:

Though if you wanted to prove your point to someone else it would help.

Yeah ... what he said :smile: ... i.e., that's where I was going with that before.

[cloaked_dagger]

Yeah... :smile: I didn't see it because you posted while I was in the process of writing my post...

[Sher]

No ... I meant that as a compliment ... you said what I meant there much better than I articulated it.

[wienerdog]

If I may state the obvious, I think many people come to know God through an encounter with him. This would be subjective evidence, that is, evidence that would be valid for them, but not for others. If someone presented evidence against their experience, they would be well within their epistemological rights to simply say "I can't refute your argument, but I don't have to. My experience is sufficient evidence that God is real and that therefore your argument fails somehow." If someone presented an argument that you couldn't refute showing that your best friend didn't actually exist, would it be more rational to accept the argument or to reject it because you know your best friend exists?