Posted by verne on September 1, 2004, at 17:26:58
In reply to Why are people offended by God?, posted by Miss Honeychurch on September 1, 2004, at 15:31:37
When I used to talk about God and use labels like "christian" alot, unbelievers were often offended. More than one felt the need to tell me they were a "good person" or talked about their strengths.
Perhaps, that's a clue. That the mere mention of God is threatening to the ruling self. I think too with the mention of "God" there's an implication that the self is bad and needs to diminish, to surrender, to the point of extinction. This is scary for most people.
Before I believed I pushed away any mention of God. I knew my boat was swamped and leaking but I refused to abandon ship (the ego) - to let go, and let God. I remember feeling almost angry if someone prayed for me and suggested I need God.
Remembering that, I try to tread carefully and usually avoid mention of God altogether. Instead I recommend reading scripture or I might quote some if they seem interested. There's power in the Word. Jesus didn't argue with Satan in the wilderness, just said, "it is written..." If we could talk someone into believing then they could be talked out of it. It has to happen at the heart or spirit level not in the head that thinks "God".
I'm still groping in the dark but I see a little light.
Verne
poster:verne
thread:385323
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20040729/msgs/385360.html