I think, though, the thing that changed most for me wasn't a radical change in my belief God's power (though that part of my theology needed some fine-tuning as well). It was more linked to a change in my beliefs about God's personality and kindness. The "What is God Like?" question helped me cross over more than a change in systematic theology. The God that I eventually have come around to following is what my professor called "this good God of Grace" that is juxtaposed alongside this "great God of power." In my early days, power was the only thing that mattered. But like Boromir and the Ring, I thought this power was something we could wield and possess. Instead, it that power created a monster that had little love to hand out unless it was aligned perfectly with my beliefs. In my search for the answers, I forgot that we worship a God who in scripture is incredibly kind and uses power in a way that humans cannot.
Rob, you're basically anticipating where we're going. Thank you so much for the comment. Marrying God's freedom and God's goodness was a huge change for me, too.
Aaaahhh..the "Is an unknowable God knowable?" question. My reply is "yes" and "no". Sort of the "my ways are not your ways, and my thoughts are not your thoughts" [Isaiah 55:8] discussion. Fact: God does reveal Himself to all of humanity, for example, through nature. That is more of a "look around you and decide whether or not you think I exist or not" reveal from God. But that form of believing He is real doesn't solve the "sin problem" which is ultimately what must be handled in order to have relationship..ie, getting to know God. The "post modern" view of God can lead people to believe that God is a big cushy "grandad" type of character who only wants "me to feel good". We bargain with God in our prayers like we have some right to do so. While He is approachable thru Christ, He demands that we first recognize who He is and what He did for us on the cross. Your point about "church" and the church culture you grew up in is well made. I immediately thought of the "thief on the cross" [Luke 23: 38-43] when I read your commentary. We can assume from the reading that the thief on the cross had no church "culture"..or bible studies or mission trips or any other "religious merit badge" on his resume. The thief, in a singular moment, saw Jesus for who he was and in that moment, Jesus replied "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise". Let's never lose sight of the fact that "knowing God" and "knowing ABOUT" God are two completely different topics. Want to know God? Search for Jesus. Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father accept through me" John 14:6
I think, though, the thing that changed most for me wasn't a radical change in my belief God's power (though that part of my theology needed some fine-tuning as well). It was more linked to a change in my beliefs about God's personality and kindness. The "What is God Like?" question helped me cross over more than a change in systematic theology. The God that I eventually have come around to following is what my professor called "this good God of Grace" that is juxtaposed alongside this "great God of power." In my early days, power was the only thing that mattered. But like Boromir and the Ring, I thought this power was something we could wield and possess. Instead, it that power created a monster that had little love to hand out unless it was aligned perfectly with my beliefs. In my search for the answers, I forgot that we worship a God who in scripture is incredibly kind and uses power in a way that humans cannot.
Rob, you're basically anticipating where we're going. Thank you so much for the comment. Marrying God's freedom and God's goodness was a huge change for me, too.
Aaaahhh..the "Is an unknowable God knowable?" question. My reply is "yes" and "no". Sort of the "my ways are not your ways, and my thoughts are not your thoughts" [Isaiah 55:8] discussion. Fact: God does reveal Himself to all of humanity, for example, through nature. That is more of a "look around you and decide whether or not you think I exist or not" reveal from God. But that form of believing He is real doesn't solve the "sin problem" which is ultimately what must be handled in order to have relationship..ie, getting to know God. The "post modern" view of God can lead people to believe that God is a big cushy "grandad" type of character who only wants "me to feel good". We bargain with God in our prayers like we have some right to do so. While He is approachable thru Christ, He demands that we first recognize who He is and what He did for us on the cross. Your point about "church" and the church culture you grew up in is well made. I immediately thought of the "thief on the cross" [Luke 23: 38-43] when I read your commentary. We can assume from the reading that the thief on the cross had no church "culture"..or bible studies or mission trips or any other "religious merit badge" on his resume. The thief, in a singular moment, saw Jesus for who he was and in that moment, Jesus replied "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise". Let's never lose sight of the fact that "knowing God" and "knowing ABOUT" God are two completely different topics. Want to know God? Search for Jesus. Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father accept through me" John 14:6
Definitely agree that there's a big difference between knowing and knowing about and that's certainly part of the background to this post!