So many people are SO certain that God has "called" them to a particular ministry. Each one appears just as positive as the next, even though they disagree about so many things they say are essential to eternal life. How could God allow this? How could YOU be right and the other guy be wrong when you are both totally convinced?
2007-05-29 09:13:10 · 9 answers · asked by Suzanne 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Okay, you've heard the Christian take on this - and as expected, they're assuming that all the paths are Christian.
My own belief as a pagan is that God/dess or the Creator or whatever you want to call the primal unifying and life-giving force of the universe created each of us to be different, each to serve a different purpose, and in Their wisdom, realized that each of us, being unique, would have unique needs. Each of the religions suits the needs of those who follow them. Any religion can be perverted, of course, but they all meet a need.
For me, there is nothing better than to learn, to grow, to choose my path in life without dogma or scripture. Organized religion is like a prison cell for the soul. For another, those dogmas and scriptures are a comforting support, a structure through which life makes sense.
The Creator is a consciousness of infinite power, of limitless wisdom. Our finite minds cannot comprehend the infinite. All we can do is to look and see what we can, and treat each other with respect as fellow seekers on the path.
2007-05-29 09:36:41 · answer #1 · answered by triviatm 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's a great question. That is why all Christians are called to "test the spirits if they are of God" the Bible says in I John. Also, there are many warnings in the New Testament that warn us to beware of false prophets and admonish us to hold to sound doctrine. How much one is totally convinced or sincere does not prove a matter to be right. I have been sincerely wrong more than once. God does give man enough rope to hang himself if he so chooses. Ultimately, there is nothing you can do to solve that dilimna except follow the Lord and His Word. God bless.
2007-05-29 23:17:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being in a particular ministry is not a bad thing! However, the path you speak of is to eternity! On this point, God is clear, as Jesus said, "None may come to the Father but through Me!"
2007-05-29 16:26:51 · answer #3 · answered by †Lawrence R† 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why should it surprise that people are called to different paths? St. Paul said as much in 1 Corinthians.
Some people are called to be ears, some eyes, some noses, some teeth,. some arms and legs. But without all these limbs and organs, what would the body consist of?
You should be grateful, for instance, that some of your cells are called to be liver cells, and others kidney cells, and yet others neurons. We could not even be having this discussion without a variety of these kinds of callings....
2007-05-29 16:18:12 · answer #4 · answered by evolver 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God uses all kinds of talents in His ministry.
1Corinthians 12:28
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
That is not in conflict with the fact that eternal life is predicated on the Grace of God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
2007-05-29 16:24:02 · answer #5 · answered by NickofTyme 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually there is only one path... "straight is the way, and nerow is the path." However we have a choice to accept what doctrine we believe leads us down that one path. No man can take apon the authority to act in God's name apon himself. It must be given to him by one already holding that authority, just like Christ ordained His Apostles, by laying His hands apon them.
James 1:5-6
" 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."
2007-05-29 16:21:10 · answer #6 · answered by Bubblewrap 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God wants many types of service and He uses the "spiritual gifts" we are given to help in as many ways as we can. This means we are serving God her on earth.
2007-05-29 16:22:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
God calls us to one singular path.
Man uses his free will to choose which he will follow.
Many choose poorly.
2007-05-29 16:17:54 · answer #8 · answered by Bob L 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If by paths you mean denominations. He doesn't, man does.
2007-05-29 16:17:26 · answer #9 · answered by JayDee 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋