It has been said, and often that we create our own god when deciding that our god will represent all that we expect our god to be, when relating to the image that we create of he, she, or it there being an awareness on the part of the "creator" that their god is made to measure up to their expectations.
Mr. Polly considered his construction of god to be a limitless being having the nature of a schoolmaster making infinite rules, rules that were always ruthlessly enforced with an infinite capacity for punishment.
The Catholic J.R.R. Tolkien influenced C.S. Lewis to return to Christianity during one long all-night walk that ended in dawn and revelation. Lewis preferred to seek out the God of his childhood years that had led him to believe that all human beings needed saving from their/our easy willingness to create a god in our own likeness.
C. S. Lewis reminds us through his books, and commentaries that ones perception is never the result of facing the reality that is God, there being an understanding that the divine revelation in human life is always inviting us to sacrifice our own desires, to serve His outreach into the lives of every human person seeking God in their desperate attempts to make sense of the trials, and tribulations that beset every human person.
Not our perception, but His will be done, in our life that we may reflect His image.
God loves us not because we are loveable but because He is love. And because He is love, He can only will what is best for us, which is to be transformed into a being of holy love like Himself. He will settle for nothing less. As we meditate on God’s love for us, especially in the cross of Christ, our love for God and our neighbour will increase, and our hearts will become more and more like God’s — filled with love. ~ C. S. Lewis
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Re: Perception
Posted by John on April 4, 2018, 9:46 pm, in reply to "Perception"
--Previous Message-- : It has been said, and often that we create our : own god when deciding that our god will : represent all that we expect our god to be, : when relating to the image that we create of : he, she, or it there being an awareness on : the part of the "creator" that : their god is made to measure up to their : expectations. :
Once again, I have to ask, Alex: who said it? You?
: Mr. Polly considered his construction of god : to be a limitless being having the nature of : a schoolmaster making infinite rules, rules : that were always ruthlessly enforced with an : infinite capacity for punishment. :
The History of Mr Polly is a work of fiction, Alex. Let's stick to something steelier.
Regarding your other sources, why not stick to the one source the Almighty Himself has given us, namely, Scripture. Starting from Genesis and working through to the Apocalypse, God steadily reveals ever more of Himself for those who want to read it and think about it. There is no need for vague "perceptions" then.
Re: Perception
Posted by Alex Caughey on April 4, 2018, 10:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Perception"
Well, John, I rather believe that the regulars here would appreciate hearing your considered opinions...Lead on...with the further thought that your contributions may also be worth reading.
Re: Perception
Posted by John on April 5, 2018, 6:45 am, in reply to "Re: Perception"
Unfortunately, Alex, you don't seem to be able to recognise a considered opinion when you see one. What did you think my remarks about Scripture comprised?
Re: Perception
Posted by Alex Caughey on April 5, 2018, 7:27 am, in reply to "Re: Perception"
Well, John, I am waiting with great anticipation for your contributions towards restoring discussion on this site on any topic that inspires you. Be confident that I will offer my thoughts that you may be encouraged. For it is in giving that we receive.~ Francis of Assisi
Re: Perception
Posted by John on April 5, 2018, 9:12 am, in reply to "Re: Perception"
Alex, your magnanimity is, er, . . . quite underwhelming.
--Previous Message-- : Well, John, I am waiting with great : anticipation for your contributions towards : restoring discussion on this site on any : topic that inspires you. Be confident that : I will offer my thoughts that you may be : encouraged. : : For it is in giving that we receive .~ : Francis of Assisi : :