Would you believe this person?

Question

This hypothetical question is aimed at religious people only. Nothing against atheists or agnostics at all, it simply doesn't apply to them.

If someone who you didn't know personally told you that God had spoken to him last night, and that God had told him how to carry out His will on earth, would you believe him?

If you WOULD believe him, why? Doesn't this mean that you would believe ANYONE who told you this? Keep in mind that ANYONE can say this without having to provide any evidence.

If you would NOT believe him, why not? Certainly you believe God talks to SOME people, why not this man? Keep in mind that our Bible was written by men who said that God had spoken to them. We believe them, why not believe another person who we do not know personally?

Please answer in the following manner:

'I would believe him because...'
or
'I would not believe him because...'

Thanks. I'm asking this because someone I didn't know well told me that God spoke to him. I believed him. He was lying.

'Someone who cares'

Many have said that God has spoken to them. The evangelicals say it frequently, George Bush said it, Joan of Arc, many others. You were NOT given witness by the holy spirit. Does this mean you dont believe them? Are you going to judge whether or not they're lying based on what they do next? Seems like an insufficient way to decide. They can do good without having been spoken to.

To MH:

'So, you see, it doesn't really matter whether he was "lying" to you or not (and how do you know he was lying?). The fact that he believes God spoke to him and gave him directions is what he believes.'

The fact that he believes? But you don't KNOW what he believes. He could EASILY be making it up for any number of reasons. You're willing to believe him simply because he said it? This is credulity beyond conception.

To Sternchen:
Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament? Ok, so why does that mean you wouldn't believe this man? What does one thing have to do with another? It didn't stop you from believing the men who wrote The Bible, so why not this man?

Answer 1

This stuff happens.

Problem is there are a lot of nut cases out there who also think that God is talking to them.

The way to tell the difference is on a case by case basis.

Give the so called message the Love test. Is it loving and inclusive and will it create a positive situation for everyone involved, not just the people you happen to like or agree with.

If the answer is yes then it is probably legitimate.

If not you are dealing with a liar or someone who is delusional.

Love and blessings Don

Answer 2

I cannot say whether or not I would believe him. It would depend on if the holy spirit bore witness to me that what he was saying was true or not. No man can fake that. Also, "by their fruits ye shall know them". Is this person doing good works and interested in the welfare of others and not just out for personal gain?

Answer 3

I would believe him because only he and God would know whether they were on speaking terms. I may not act on his directions because I may not agree with them or I may not agree that these were God's directions. But, again, that goes to belief. So, you see, it doesn't really matter whether he was "lying" to you or not (and how do you know he was lying?). The fact that he believes God spoke to him and gave him directions is what he believes. You are free to believe or not, as you wish or as your faith dictates. You are free to act with him or against him, or not at all, as you wish or as your faith and belief dictates.

Answer 4

I would not believe him because the prophetic canon of scripture has been closed since 90 AD (John....on Patmos)

God speaks to us through His Word now.....no need for an audible voice.

Answer 5

In the times when God spoke to people, he told us everything that was to be told to us.

Answer 6

I wouldn't believe him because Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the OT