Protestantism

» pink101 - Controversial

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I certainly know that God as a construct of human thought is a controversial subject.
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Various religions present separate understandings about God. Different groups use separate names and apply different aspects to the identity of a Supreme being.
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One of the understandings in Western Civilization--where we, pretty much, accept the view of the Judeo/Christian identity of God--is that we look at God as the father of all humanity which brings up the concept of the family.
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It is suggested that some beliefs have it that God creates the existence of the family in the way creation is made evident.
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And God, in a certain sense, is seen as a mysterious being that we understand to be three persons in one; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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Taking the construct a step further, Jesus Christ is seen as the Son in the Trinity and as such, is also seen as the Bride Groom--the Spiritual lover of all humanity who woos us through the actions of the Holy Spirit, aka the Shekinah Glory of God on Earth.
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Here is where I see an interesting situation and I wonder if anyone else is able to see it.
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With the Son as the bridegroom and human beings as the bride we have an example for human relationships within the family.
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The Son, through the Holy Spirit, is able to have one on one relationships with each and every single human being and each human being, once they qualify, is able to have a one on one relationship with the Son, that is, with God himself.
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So far, is that correct?
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Now then, God is able to have many individual brides; but, human beings are only able to have one bridegroom?
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That seems to present me with a problem in cultural understandings. How is it that God can have many espoused to him but humans are only able to have one espoused to us? Why can't human beings have more than one god?
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Curious. Does anyone else see this paradox?
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-- posted by pink101

» Migisi - Controversial

In response to Controversial posted by pink101:

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Why can't human beings have more than one god?
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Because the Bible God is a jealous god.
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Exodus 34:14
Deut 4:24
Deut 32:16
Deut 32:21
Joshua 24:19
Nahum 1:2
1 Corinth 10:22

-- posted by Migisi

» pink101 - Controversial

In response to Controversial posted by Migisi:

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Don't we as individuals have a right to be jealous of the relationship God has with other human beings?
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I mean, how would you feel if your husband had other wives with whom he shared his intimacies and showered them with favors while you aren't able to have another husband?

-- posted by pink101

» Migisi - Controversial

In response to Controversial posted by pink101:

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Don't we as individuals have a right to be jealous of the relationship God has with other human beings?
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I guess we'd have to determine what the relationship was.
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My sisters, brothers, and I had one father. I don't remember ever being jealous of them.
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I mean, how would you feel if your husband had other wives
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If I knew he was a polygamist, I wouldn't have him as my husband in the first place. If I wasn't permitted to have anyone other than him, then I wouldn't have any husband at all .. I'd be single.

-- posted by Migisi

» pink101 - Curious....

In response to Controversial posted by Migisi:
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My sisters, brothers, and I had one father. I don't remember ever being jealous of them.
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Most likely you were all treated quite similarly.
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I guess we'd have to determine what the relationship was.
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Some spend eternity in hell while others spend eternity in heaven based on the chances of their birth?
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Curious...

-- posted by pink101

» paper_turtle - Controversial

In response to Controversial posted by pink101:

Now then, God is able to have many individual brides; but, human beings are only able to have one bridegroom?
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That seems to present me with a problem in cultural understandings. How is it that God can have many espoused to him but humans are only able to have one espoused to us? Why can't human beings have more than one god?
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Curious. Does anyone else see this paradox?

I see it as a question of priorities. A 20th Century definitions for God include "ground of our being" and "ultimate reality." Whatever provides the foundation for our experiential reality, then, is a "god" to us. Some people make a god of consumer goods, or alcohol, or drugs, or sex. some people place ultimate importance on being right, winning, having the most "toys." This is their first priority in life, and everything they do is directed towards being true to this god.

A person can't have two priorities to which he devotes equal time, energy, and attention. The Bible says you can't serve two masters--but its true whether or not you read the Bible. If your mind/heart/spirit is divided (in conflict) you can't really accomplish much--except for becoming bitter, hateful, frustrated, neurotic, (and, eventually, downright insane).

One who tried to follow two Gods would be in such a predicament. On the other hand, one who studies other faiths with an eye to learning more about his/her own faith, can follow one God better.

peace and love,
Paper Turtle

-- posted by paper_turtle