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Personal Conversations With God Options
Dreamy
Posted: Thursday, July 14, 2011 12:30:33 AM

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In my personal conversations with God I have learnt that He is a good listener. I speak with Him about everything.

Of course He already knows everything, but He delights in speaking with me nevertheless.

I find the best time for our conversations is early in the morning when I've just woken up and don't feel like getting out of bed.

When I'm up and about working at labourious tasks like tidying up a messy garden, or processing a year's accounting figures, I quite regularly consult with God about various aspects of my work and life in general.

Judging from some of the discussions on this forum, my experience of God is radically different from that of many of you.

Some people get tangled up in debating religion, and while I believe there is a place for debating the subjects that arise I think it foolish to trust in imperfect human logic, and a mistake to settle for worldly wisdom over the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, who along with the Holy Spirit, has equality with God the Father.

An evergreen question that concerns a lot of people is, "Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?"

If we go directly to God Himself what does He say?

Firstly, that He doesn't always! Sometimes He allows good things to happen to bad people.

Secondly He says that "All things work together for good for those who love God and are the called according to His purpose".

Thirdly He says that our love for God is tested in order to purify us, "that the trial of our faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it is tried with fire, might be found to praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ".

If mankind was not inherently sinful, and if the Universe was not under the curse of sin, and if Satan was not the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4), bad things would not happen.

God allowed Satan to test Job who remained faithful to God, saying "Though He slay me yet will I trust in Him", in spite of losing his entire family, his wealth, and his health.

Many are the martyrs who have faithfully died for Jesus Christ their Lord and Saviour, knowing, as I do, that our "light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

So, dear reader, if the evils and sufferings of this world trouble you, do not become entangled in them but rather have a personal conversation with God in accordance with these holy inspirational words:

Quote:
1Thessalonians 5:16-23
(16) Rejoice evermore.
(17) Pray without ceasing.
(18) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(19) Quench not the Spirit.
(20) Despise not prophesyings.
(21) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(22) Abstain from all appearance of evil.
(23) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Job 33:15 "In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, In slumberings upon the bed;" Theology 101 "If He doesn't know everything then He isn't God."
intelfam
Posted: Friday, July 15, 2011 2:52:10 PM

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Hi Dreamy. You do not seem to have had many responses. Were you seeking them, or just posting to share your experience (sort of take it or leave it [I mean that in the nicest way)) and hoping others might gain something from it?




"The voice of the majority is no proof of justice." - Schiller
Mansoor Nasir
Posted: Friday, July 15, 2011 3:11:19 PM
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Dreamy:
Many would take your claim with a pinch of salt; but I would not. I also converse with my God, and I receive clear cut messages from Him what I should do and what I shouldn’t. In Muslim countries it is believed that after the demise of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) the speaking of God to any human being i.e., revelation, has been stopped for ever.
I personally disagree with this idea. My proposition is that we may not hear the words of God through our ears but we do hear Him through our heart provided we have firm belief in the existence of a living God, and our heart is pure and pious devoid of all kinds of evil and corruption. Seek the succour of your God with all your humility and with this certainty that God shall hear you, and He comes down to you with all His power and strength to help you. Sometimes it seems that He has not heard you or He is not fulfilling your desire for which you have sought His help in your prayers or silently in your heart. When it happens so we get disappointed and start saying that He helps only the bad.
But after the passage of some time when things get clear we realize that God did help us by not accepting our prayers for a particular wish. If He had accepted our request that we had made without considering its consequences and repercussions we might have entangled ourselves in inescapable difficulties and losses. At that time we realize and admit wholeheartedly that God does hear us and help us, and it is only He who knows what is good for us and what is bad. If in our ignorance we seek something harmful to us He turns down our request in our own interest and saves us from material loss and mental torture.
God does speak to him who turns towards Him, believes in Him and thanks Him both in his pains and pleasures.
percivalpecksniff
Posted: Friday, July 15, 2011 3:37:39 PM

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Since conversation is the 'spoken exchange of thoughts, opinions and feelings... by one definition... then it is plain you do not Dreamy have 'conversations with God. Perhaps you mean something else.

Yes, you can find out how he feels by consulting that which he has had committed to word, or by that which he has designed, but to claim he answers back by voice is frankly a little mad so you obviously do not mean that.


It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. Aristotle
Dreamy
Posted: Friday, July 15, 2011 6:28:21 PM

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intelfam wrote:

Hi Dreamy. You do not seem to have had many responses. Were you seeking them, or just posting to share your experience (sort of take it or leave it [I mean that in the nicest way)) and hoping others might gain something from it?

Hi intelfam, thanks for your reply, it opens an interesting thread which could be pursued further. I'm generally just happy for 20 people to read my posts and not bothered too much if there are no replies posted. In this case it was the previous post about God being deaf-mute that prompted me to share my experience, and also with the P & R section being a popular venue for sceptics it means there is often a need for me to offer another perspective, in the spirit of goodwill when appropriate.

Thanks for caring.

Job 33:15 "In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, In slumberings upon the bed;" Theology 101 "If He doesn't know everything then He isn't God."
Dreamy
Posted: Friday, July 15, 2011 6:53:43 PM

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percivalpecksniff wrote:
Since conversation is the 'spoken exchange of thoughts, opinions and feelings... by one definition... then it is plain you do not Dreamy have 'conversations with God. Perhaps you mean something else.

Yes, you can find out how he feels by consulting that which he has had committed to word, or by that which he has designed, but to claim he answers back by voice is frankly a little mad so you obviously do not mean that.

Wow, Percy, you really are a sceptic. Nevermind. I respect your opinion, but I do on many occasions audibly hear God's awesome voice, as have many people through history.

The word conversation has an interesting background:

[from Old French converser, from Latin conversārī to keep company with, from conversāre to turn constantly, from vertere to turn]

There is an algorithm involved in the way God both speaks to His own and hears from them.

I like what Psalm 94:9 says: "He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see?"

Also Psalm 139 is worth considering.

Job 33:15 "In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, In slumberings upon the bed;" Theology 101 "If He doesn't know everything then He isn't God."
intelfam
Posted: Friday, July 15, 2011 7:01:52 PM

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percivalpecksniff wrote:
Since conversation is the 'spoken exchange of thoughts, opinions and feelings... by one definition... then it is plain you do not Dreamy have 'conversations with God. Perhaps you mean something else.

Yes, you can find out how he feels by consulting that which he has had committed to word, or by that which he has designed, but to claim he answers back by voice is frankly a little mad so you obviously do not mean that.


While I do not share Dreamy's beliefs, I would still maintain that to discuss things with him, one has to take on board the words as meant, otherwise one is merely debating word usage rather than the phenomenon he describes. It is a given within christian theology that conversation is synonymous with communication. Sad, one may argue, but true. The phenomenon as described is claimed by believers and mystics throughout history and "conversation" is an accepted term for whatever manner the recipient perceives he or she receives communication from their god. I think we should, if we wish to tackle Dreamy's claim start by accepting his terminology.

There are some theologians and christian leaders who maintain that direct revelation ceased with the first christians (and add Paul in for good measure - I think unfortunately for the church). Others would maintain that revelation is possible but must be subject to consistency with the revelation given in the bible record - or it is to be subject to deep scrutiny. There are those who would claim to be christian and who would say that revelation continues through the holy spirit (as promised by JC) and may even supersede earlier revelations which were always subject to error of discernment ( such would be cultural filters, like the role of women, or homosexuality).

As to "mad" - a somewhat unfortunate word - my experience in mental health (and my one-time card carrying christian past) tell me there are many who claim to communicate with and receive guidance from, their various gods. I have yet to see a psychiatrist diagnose even early stages of mental illness on that overt symptom alone.

Maybe one could argue that Dreamy (and his million predecessors) were mistaking the voice of their Unconscious? Although one then has to deal with who is piloting the Unconscious, which is a thorny one.

Personally, I put little faith in the bible beyond the same respect that I accord to the Vedas or the Koran and other collections of thoughts with kernels of wisdom worth paying attention to as having stood the test of time.







"The voice of the majority is no proof of justice." - Schiller
percivalpecksniff
Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2011 3:54:55 AM

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Ok Intel I will exchange mad for bonkers... or perhaps to be kinder

delusional... hearing voices is not exactly a sign of a sound mind but rather of a mind that perhaps

needs genuine help.


Since Dreamy is looking at it from the perspective of professed Christianity then it is of note that

there are only three recorded instances of God’s voice being spoken to humans. They are: At Jesus

Baptism… the Transfiguration… and just prior to the 33 C.E. Passover in answer to Jesus’ request that

God glorify himself.

Hearing the Word of God’ in the Biblical sense almost always referred to discerning his purpose, or

being inspired by him to write or prophesy. The Bible writers then wrote in the own style what God‘s

Spirit moved them to record. They acted as secretaries.


Dreamy said: In my personal conversations with God I have learnt that He is a good listener. I speak with Him about everything.

Of course He already knows everything, but He delights in speaking with me nevertheless.

I find the best time for our conversations is early in the morning when I've just woken up and don't feel like getting out of bed.

When I'm up and about working at labourious tasks like tidying up a messy garden, or processing a year's accounting figures, I quite regularly consult with God about various aspects of my work and life in general.

Judging from some of the discussions on this forum, my experience of God is radically different from that of many of you.


Frankly I find that more than a little delusional... especially the comment that his experience is

radically different... ei superior to... others as he cosies up to God and God speaks to him on a

regular basis through the medium of one to one conversations.


As to the opinions or otherwise of psychiatrists well I have never placed much weight upon them. I

think one should be wary with regard to them since as a body they need to get their house in order.

What with being discredited over pushing pills to children and having one of the highest suicide

rates of any profession they hardly recommend themselves to others.


It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. Aristotle
intelfam
Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2011 5:28:09 AM

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percivalpecksniff wrote:
[size=6]Ok Intel I will exchange mad for bonkers... or perhaps delusional...hearing

voices is not exactly a sign of a sound mind but rather of a mind that needs genuine help.


Ok you persist. Hearing voices is not a symptom of mental illness, it is a common phenomenon - some 20% of adolescents enjoy the pleasure. I am of the view that using any disparaging words to label others is not only widening the already to fine-meshed net of psychiatry by making folk "other". but is demeaning of those who are in genuine distress.
But can we please not discuss the pros and cons of psychiatry - unless we start a new topic in medicine? It is a subject worthy of reasoned debate in its own right but I fear we would be on the same side.
Communication is a relatively new word and for hundreds of years devout folk have spoken of communication with their gods as "conversation". The "still small voice" is such an old phrase. I see no reason to doubt that some people have received "guidance", from whatever source, and which they feel is so unlike their own view or their "usual thinking voice" and have found that guidance to be life-changing.
Some folk think naturally in the form of internal debate, rehearsing what may be the discussion when they arrive home late, for example, and hearing their wife's voice "as is". Others do not tackle their thinking about situations in that way.
I coud sign up to the idea that someone rehearses delemmas by "imagining" a conversation with god/gods/goddesses or his/her/their emissaries and finding that one of the voices in that conversation takes on a life of its own and doesn't give the answers expected. Whether that "new" voice is divine .....

I have to say though, that if [color=darkblue]Dreamy's god were the one I read about in the bible or Koran, as explicated by the major present day churches, I would take her advice with a large pinch of salt. I might even consider visiting my doctor.





"The voice of the majority is no proof of justice." - Schiller
IMcRout
Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2011 6:20:23 AM

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One thing I can certainly agree to in Dreamy's post is that God "is a good listener."

She never interrupts or contradicts me; He never gives me strange advice like "pray without ceasing", and They never tell me "Despise not prophesyings".

I respect people who are deeply rooted in their faith - and live by it - but I have never liked missionaries who try to impose their narrow world-view on others.

"Before I speak, I have something important to say."Groucho Marx
Wanderer
Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2011 3:11:40 PM

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percival, there are several more instances when God spoke directly to men. When Moses saw the Burning Bush he conversed there with God. The children of Isreal also heard his voice, albeit it sounded like thunder, when Moses went up the mountain to receive the law. Moses even saw the back of God and his face glowed so brightly he had to wear a veil. Job had a personal conversation with God, and it is intimated that Abraham also talked directly to God, as he (God) revealed his whole plan for mankind to Abraham. Adam and Eve walked in the cool of the evening with God and talked to him. These are just a few I think of off-hand. However, I don't believe anyone has a "new" revelation anymore. When God reveals himself it is the Word that has been implanted in our hearts that give us wisdom and peace. Of course, if you don't believe or don't have the faith, which comes by hearing the Word of God, then it is lost upon you. And on one more item, I have read that psychiatry can make a miserable person into one who is just sad but, I have seen God change people's lives from miserable to great joy.
percivalpecksniff
Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2011 3:41:43 PM

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Exodus 3:2

New International Version (NIV)
Wanderer. Sorry to take issue with you but in this case you are not correct. God used angels who were said to speak for him as the verse below shows.

2 'There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.'



Exodus 3:2

New King James Version (NKJV)


2 'And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed.'


If you re-examine each point you raised you will see it was not God speaking directly but an angek acting as a messenger.


It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. Aristotle
Wanderer
Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2011 4:14:30 PM

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Percival, read the whole text, Exodus 3:4
Exodus 3: 4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”


I don't know, but it seems to me that the flame was the angel.
percivalpecksniff
Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2011 4:31:42 PM

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But it clearly states Wanderer that not god but the angel of the Lord appeared to him. Angel means messenger.

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. Aristotle
Wanderer
Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2011 4:37:16 PM

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But it clearly states Wanderer that not god but the angel of the Lord appeared to him. Angel means messenger



The topic is "conversation with God", and that was what I was addressing, that God spoke to Moses and Moses replied. A conversation, no?
percivalpecksniff
Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2011 6:16:15 PM

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Yes...God spoke through an angel but not as you previously stated directly... correct.

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. Aristotle
Wanderer
Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2011 6:46:37 PM

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There are no less than 7 times that it says either "God said" or "the Lord said". He tells Moses his name, and says “Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—appeared to me. . ."
GeorgeV
Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2011 6:56:30 PM

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The unsettling aspect of conversations with the divine is that beside run-of-the-mill murders and other misdeeds, in too many cases the perpetrators claim that it was God who told them to do it.

Brain-washing starts in the cradle. - Arthur Koestler
percivalpecksniff
Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2011 7:08:43 PM

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Nothing more to add.

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. Aristotle
Wanderer
Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2011 7:17:40 PM

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No doubt there are many people who "claim" that God told them to do some horrendous things, but the Bilble says that visions and prophecies will cease, so it can't be God speaking to them. Some people say they are possessed by demons as well. But, Paul says that even if he or an angel were to tell you something that is contradictory to Jesus teachings not to believe it. I think some people are mentally sick, some people are easily led and are willing to take a man's word, some people twist the scriptures to fit their own opinions, but God is always good.
Bwell
Posted: Sunday, July 17, 2011 1:46:53 AM

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I like what you wrote, Dreamy. I talk to my God every day too. He doesn't answer me in words though. Sometimes it's in other ways. Sometimes not at all. If I really need His help He will answer my prayers in His time, not mine. That's okay, I was blessed with a lot of patience. I always keep my loving faith in Him. My faith is not religious, it is totally spiritual. My faith is strong. Without it, I have nothing. Thank you for sharing, Dreamy. God bless you all.
Dreamy
Posted: Sunday, July 17, 2011 1:51:00 AM

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This passage seems to have been overlooked.

Quote:

Acts 9:1-19
(1) And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, (2) And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
(3) And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

(4) And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?
(5) And he said, Who are you, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom you persecute: it is hard for you to kick against the pricks.
(6) And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what will you have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told you what you must do.
(7) And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.


(8) And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
(9) And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
(10) And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
(11) And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prays,
(12) And has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

(13) Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he has done to thy saints at Jerusalem: (14) And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
(15) But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
(16) For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.


(17) And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto you in the way as you came, has sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
(18) And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
(19) And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.


BTW, I too am also given visions from God as well as dreams, from time to time.

Job 33:15 "In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, In slumberings upon the bed;" Theology 101 "If He doesn't know everything then He isn't God."
GeorgeV
Posted: Sunday, July 17, 2011 2:00:53 AM

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Simply shocking.

Brain-washing starts in the cradle. - Arthur Koestler
Ray41
Posted: Sunday, July 17, 2011 2:42:34 AM

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Dreamy wrote;
Wow, Percy, you really are a sceptic. Nevermind. I respect your opinion, but I do on many occasions audibly hear God's awesome voice, as have many people through history.
Now this in Dreamy's last post;
BTW, I too am also given visions from God as well as dreams, from time to time. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Wanderer wrote;
but the Bible says that visions and prophecies will cease, so it can't be God speaking to them.

Would the people in the Blue and Red corners please come to the centre of the ring to settle their differences.

I realise that Wanderer will use the argument that I have used only a portion of the post, but, I have posted the relevant part.

I will now return to my ringside seat.

RULES ARE FOR THE OBEYENCE OF FOOLS AND FOR THE GUIDENCE OF WISE MEN
intelfam
Posted: Sunday, July 17, 2011 7:46:15 AM

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Ray41 wrote:


Would the people in the Blue and Red corners please come to the centre of the ring to settle their differences.
I will now return to my ringside seat.


You may have a point Ray41, but I fear you may have unleashed a torrent of scripture which will sweep you away ........ to who knows where? I rather hope not as I, personally, find the use of scripture a poor strategy, I'd rather folk used their own experience and stand by what it means on its own terms.Only then might they seek the support of scriptures. Sadly there have been far too many who have quoted scriptures (of many faiths) quite accurately, but to justify their own poor actions. Again, personally, someone who acts on scriptural inspiration but does not subject their actions to discernment and reason is, potentially, more dangerous than an atheist. But that is only my opinion.


"The voice of the majority is no proof of justice." - Schiller
Ray41
Posted: Sunday, July 17, 2011 8:26:22 AM

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Never fear intel, I am but an observer who noted two contradictory posts.
It is not I who has to justify or validate what I posted.
I to, am of the firm opinion that one should practise what they preach, so, I will retain my ringside seat and stoutly resist any torrent that threatens to sweep me away....to who knows where?

Should I get out my scuba gear, or maybe a fireproof suit?d'oh!

I think your opinion is a very good summary of what damage the misuse of the Scriptures can create.

RULES ARE FOR THE OBEYENCE OF FOOLS AND FOR THE GUIDENCE OF WISE MEN
kingfisher
Posted: Sunday, July 17, 2011 1:57:42 PM
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I'm willing to suspend my disbelief owing to a number of interesting circumstances/situations that I have been aware of in my lifetime.

A prime example is that of a good childhood friend of mine...one perfectly fine and normal day she was driving her car down the road without any difficulty when she heard a clear voice in her head that told her she should stop and get out of the car at once. When she tried to ignore this voice, it spoke again, saying the same thing. She pulled the car over to the side of the road, put the hazard lights on, and got out and off the road aways, despite feeling like an imbecile for doing so. When she got about 10 feet away from the car, the engine suddenly and inexplicably burst into flames.
Had she not stopped and gotten out of the car she may have died or been horribly scarred from burns. (This is but one example. I know of several others of a similar nature.)

So I ask: was she crazy because she heard a voice in her head?
almostfreebird
Posted: Sunday, July 17, 2011 2:28:42 PM

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Glen said in "The Stand":



"Whenever something overtly paranormal occurs," Glen said, "the only explanation that really fits well and holds its interior logic is the theological one. That's why psychics and religion have always gone hand in hand,
right up to your modern-day faith-healers."


Harold was grumbling, but Glen went on anyway.


"My own gut feeling is that everyone's psychic . . . and it's so ingrained a part of us that we very rarely notice it. The talent may be largely preventative, and that keeps it from being noticed, too."


"Why?" I asked.


"Because it's a negative factor, Fran. Have any of you ever read James D. L. Staunton's 1958 study of train and airplane crashes? It was originally published in a sociology journal, but the tabloid newspapers rake it up every now and again."


We all shook our heads.


"You ought to," he said. "James Staunton was what my students of twenty years ago would have called `a real good head'-a mild-mannered clinical sociologist who studied the occult as a kind of hobby. He wrote any number of articles on the combined subjects before going over to the other side to do some first-handresearch."


Harold snorted, but Stu and Mark were grinning. I fear I was, too.


"So tell us about the planes and trains," Peri sez.


"Well, Staunton got the stats on over fifty plane crashes since 1925 and over two hundred train crashes since 1900. He fed all the data into a computer.
Basically, he was correlating three factors: those present on any such conveyance that met with disaster, those killed, and the capacity of the vehicle."


"Don't see what he was trying to prove," Stu said.


"To see that, you have to understand that he fed a second series of figures into the computer-this time an equal number of planes and trains which didn't meet with disaster."


Mark nodded. "A control group and an experimental group. That seems solid enough."


"What he found was simple enough, but staggering in its implications. It's a shame one has to stagger through sixteen tables to get at the underlying statistical fact."


"What fact?" I asked.


"Full planes and trains rarely crash," Glen said.


"Oh fucking BULLSHIT!" Harold just about screams.


"Not at all," Glen sez calmly. "That was Staunton's theory, and the computer bore him out. In cases where planes or trains crash, the vehicles are running at 61 % capacity, as regards passenger loads. In cases where they don't, the vehicles are running at 76% capacity. That's a difference of 15% over a large computer run, and that sort of across-the-board deviation is significant.

Staunton points out that, statistically speaking, a 3% deviation would be food for thought, and he's right. It's an anomaly the size of Texas. Staunton's deduction was that people know which planes and trains are going to crash . . .
that they are unconsciously predicting the future.


"Your Aunt Sally gets a bad stomachache just before Flight 61 takes off from Chicago bound for San Diego: And when the plane crashes in the Nevada desert, everyone says, `Oh Aunt Sally, that bellyache was really the grace of God.' But until James Staunton came along, no one had realized that there were really thirty people with bellyaches . . . or headaches . . .
or just that funny feeling you get in your legs when your body is trying to tell your head that something is getting ready to go way off-course."


"I just can't believe that," Harold sez, shaking his head rather woefully.


"Well, you know," Glen said, "about a week after I finished the Staunton article for the first time, a Majestic Airlines jet crashed at Logan Airport. It killed everyone on board. Well, I called the Majestic office at Logan after things had settled down a bit. I told them I was a reporter from the Manchester Union-Leader-a small lie in a good cause. I said we were getting a sidebar on airline crashes together and asked if they could tell me how many no-shows there were on that flight. The man sounded kind of surprised, because he said the airline personnel had been talking about that. The number was sixteen. Sixteen no-shows.

I asked him what the average was on 747 flights from Denver to Boston, and he said it was three."


"Three," Perion sez in a marveling kind of way.


"Right. But the guy went further. He said they'd also had fifteen
cancellations, and the average number is eight. So, although the headlines after the fact screamed LOGAN AIR CRASH KILLS 94, it could just as well have read 31 AVOID DEATH IN LOGAN AIRPORT DISASTER.


Well . . . there was a lot more talk about psychic stuff, but it wandered pretty far afield from the subject of our dreams and whether or not they come from the Big Righteous in the sky. One thing that did come up (this was after Harold had wandered away in utter disgust) was Stu asking Glen, "If we're all so
psychic, then how come we don't know when a loved one has just died or that our house just blew away in a tornado, or something?"


"There are cases of exactly that sort of thing," Glen said, "but I will admit they are nowhere near as common . . . or as easy to prove with the aid of a computer. It's an interesting point. I have a theory-"


(Doesn't he always, diary?)


"--that has to do with evolution. You know, once men--or their progenitors--had tails and hair all over their bodies, and much sharper senses than they do now. Why don't we have them anymore? Quick, Stu! This is your chance to go to the head of the class, mortarboard and all."


"Why, for the same reason people don't wear goggles and dusters when they drive anymore, I guess. Sometimes you outgrow a thing. It gets to a point where you don't need it anymore."



intelfam
Posted: Sunday, July 17, 2011 2:48:41 PM

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Does Staunton have any figures on those with a stomach ache who caught the plane anyway?

His argument has internal validity can I get to the "tables" anywhere?

"Whenever something overtly paranormal occurs," Glen said, "the only explanation that really fits well and holds its interior logic is the theological one. That's why psychics and religion have always gone hand in hand,
right up to your modern-day faith-healers."

That one doesn't though. psychic equals paranormal, Glen defines the paranormal as something psychics and theologians are interested in
No, doesn't sound right to these old ears. What if we just say that what we call paranormal is just unusual, which is what the story seems to conclude. And what is this explanation that holds interior logic and, what is the one that doesn't? Is interior logic the same as internal validity?

By the way, I have my little store of stories of folk who didn't catch the plane too. I do like the comparison statistics. If they are good, then that's a little different. Because otherwise we'd have to do the calculation about numbers of people who didn't catch a plane that didn't crash. But if he's done it for us .....

Sorry, not trying to throw house bricks to knock down the argument/point being made - but I do like this whole area and want to see it argued through somewhere. I can't for the life of me see that the evolution argument lacks interior logic/internal validity. And it doesn't need theologians, or does it?

I'm getting confused.


"The voice of the majority is no proof of justice." - Schiller
GeorgeV
Posted: Sunday, July 17, 2011 3:40:57 PM

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The Case of Kingfisher's Driver.
I have heard a few similar stories, but I don't recall the people who "miracuosly" avoided/escaped a disaster claimed it was God's voice that warned them. It would be beneficial if one could ask this driver whether the voice was that of a man or woman.
I am inclined to believe that she just heard unusual noises that alerted her, and her mind formulated the words "(better) get out".

I also noticed the contrary claims of the two posts, but unfortunately I had to leave for work. Now I am back and can remind all that two day's ago it was the birthday of St. Clare of Assisi. TFD notes among others:
"Pope Pius XII designated her as the patron saint of television in 1958, on the basis that when she was too ill to attend Mass, she had reportedly been able to see and hear it on the wall of her room."
What puzzles me is this: Was it a "true" God-inspired vision or just her imagination? Too bad we cannot ask Pius XII.

Brain-washing starts in the cradle. - Arthur Koestler
Geeman
Posted: Sunday, July 17, 2011 4:07:48 PM

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I have to say, I find the argument that there are fewer people on planes that crash being used as evidence of God very, very strange, and using a concept of God that is even more peculiar.

First off, I'd really love to see some more evidence for this, but let's say that it is correct. Might the difference be more easily explained by the possibility that people are less likely to board a plane at inconvenient and difficult times? Might we assume that inconvenience and difficulty are about the same for the crew, ground crew, maintenance and air traffic control as those things are for passengers? Would the difficulty in making a plane on time for passengers be an indicator that the pilot is 15% more sleepy than on a flight in which all the passengers were able to board easily?

Would a basic thing like the inconvenience of bad weather making it less likely for passengers to board a flight ALSO make it more likely that the flight has problems? Wouldn't that make a bit more sense?

Assuming that a voice spoke to the passengers rather than simply that the conditions that made them less likely to board ALSO made the flight more likely to crash seems to me to be fundamentally missing the obvious explanation in favor of a very broad generalization... a generalization so broad, in fact, that it seems silly to even make it.

Second, isn't the conception of God as a being who warns certain people and not others something of a vile portrayel? Surely and all powerful God can simply prevent the plane from crashing in the first place, couldn't He? No, this argument goes, God saves 15% of innocent people from death rather than 100%, because God is, apparently, only %15 interested, moral or can only muster that much concern.

If considered on anything other than a surface level, the argument isn't just on its face strange, it's also strangely insulting to any legitimate conception of God.

antonio
Posted: Monday, July 18, 2011 7:47:35 AM

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Is this really true? Or your username says it all. Maybe you're just dreaming Dreamy. But if this is really true then you are one lucky person to have a conversation with God. Now, what would the Atheist think about this? wooohhhhhh.... Boo hoo!

You can do anything, but not everything. —David Allen
Dreamy
Posted: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 4:19:11 AM

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Joined: 9/11/2009
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Ray41 wrote:
Never fear intel, I am but an observer who noted two contradictory posts.
It is not I who has to justify or validate what I posted.
I to, am of the firm opinion that one should practise what they preach, so, I will retain my ringside seat and stoutly resist any torrent that threatens to sweep me away....to who knows where?

Should I get out my scuba gear, or maybe a fireproof suit?d'oh!

I think your opinion is a very good summary of what damage the misuse of the Scriptures can create.

Hi Ray41,
Sorry to disillusion you but you seem to either think that because people are professing Christians they will agree on everything, or that if they don't there has to be an argument.

Wanderer may well be a "Cessationist", that is, someone who believes that the manifestations and gifts of the Holy Spirit as mentioned in the New Testament ceased when the biblical canon was eventually authenticated and sealed with the full or plenary inspiration of its extant 66 books.

Cessationists claim 1Corinthians 13:8-10 as their proof Scripture:

"(8) Charity never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."

Continuationists such as myself do not see these verses as any such proof, not accepting "that which is perfect " being a reference to the sealed biblical canon at all but rather the new heaven and new earth as mentioned in Revelation 21:1-4 as follows:

"(1)And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. (2) And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (3) And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. (4) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

There are many biblical passages that members of the body of Christ have different views on but there are also many that we can agree on.

As for your comment about the misuse of Scripture causing damage, Yes, it happens, but forgiveness and reconciliation should always be our response.


Job 33:15 "In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, In slumberings upon the bed;" Theology 101 "If He doesn't know everything then He isn't God."
antonio
Posted: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 4:48:34 AM

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Dreamy, you'll be the next saint. lol Drool

You can do anything, but not everything. —David Allen
pedro
Posted: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 7:22:38 AM

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I'd be a little wary of a God that instructed me to murder my son and, as a son, I'd be thinking of sectioning a father that would contemplate such an act, but perhaps I'm missing the point.

"Millions long for immortality who don't know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon" Suzanne Ertz
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