Comments for The "Hiding" God at http://www.thecatholicthing.org , comment 1 to 27 out of 20 comments http://www.thecatholicthing.org Sat, 25 May 2013 05:20:27 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-7872 God is hiding and does not answer prayers, because they are egoistic. If you carefully study the prayers of all religions you will notice the following: 1. Praise the lord, sort of acknowledgement for His greatness 2. Request for favors (since you are so great give me this give me that) No religion addresses God directly, asking for Him not his favors. Prayers don't work, and god doesn't answer them because he has already given everything, his own house and went himself into seclusion, cause every religion forgot to invite him, or were afraid that he will take their power and dominion. God is hiding because we are afraid of him (her). Adam was, Moses was, Jesus was. All the prophets were busy constricting god in them only. They know God, the secret knowledge. Through them you are saved. They all taught us to glorify and pray to God, but they never told us to invite Him, because they would not be important anymore. They say "come to the house of God" when in fact only men abide therein. The same with Ka'ba in Mecca, it is the house of God, but its empty. How come the houses of God are open for everyone but the One is not allowed in. No wonder God is not coming, why should he? No one misses Him. People are busy being his advocates, prophets, substitutes, sons and daughters, and servants, in other words his replacement. All the prophets from Adam to Muhammad claimed vicegerency. No one cares about God; all they care is his provisions: paradise, a life without worries, to be the chosen few, when 99 % of creatures are burning in hell. All they want to know is his tricks, the tree of knowledge, eternity, so they can wrestle with him and finally challenge him, but only after they have become as powerful as him. This is the legacy mankind has left to its sons and daughters. Slay your son for the sake of God. In fact slay your son so you can become God, remembered by all generations to come. No wonder God abandoned Adam, no wonder the Father forsake Jesus on the cross. He wanted to become God, let him bear the cross of shame for all eternity! They say Jesus is coming back, Mehdi is coming back. Jesus and Mohammed failed once and they are going to fail again. Hitlers and Bin Ladens are coming instead, and soon enough God himself is coming in the most wretched form because that’s what we made of him and that's what we deserve! What a shame! O God! Come home 'cause we are idiots! Our hearts suffer from constipation! I'm tired of saviors. Thank god there are no more prophets! Now it’s your turn, come home because no religion and no prophet can replace you! I miss you so much. They say eyes will burn if God shows. What a sham! They are burning anyway. I am blind anyway; I don't need my eyes if I can't the Source! The one that invited me into existence. I'd be ashamed if I didn't invite It too. I am waiting for none except God himself, the master of all, the source of all being the Generous! People are busy arguing about God who is right who is wrong and pray to God for provisions but they all forget to invite God! Mankind has no conscience, they even ask God to teach them how to pray to him. Well he already made you once in his own image. If you can not figure it out yourself then forget about God. - virtual Wed, 24 Aug 2011 22:26:16 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5863 "2) but we eschew the "blog" designation. :) -Brad Of course you are not a blog! I should have said "website." My sincere apologies. - Louise Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:01:14 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5861 Louise: 1) Yes, TCT gets its name from Belloc; 2) but we eschew the "blog" designation. :) -Brad - Brad Miner Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:28:18 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5858 Dear Mr. Palmer, (if you are still checking in). Re: you comment: "And, I'll find the Belloc piece, too. Now remind me, which is he: Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, or the Magisterium?" Some time back (I have no idea how long--some weeks go by over night some nights take a whole week to go by; time is elastic), Pope Benedict XVI reminded us that there is only one institution that can or should be referred to as the "Church". Other so-called denominations are more accurately referred to as "ecclesial communities." Jesus founded one Church, so, as Belloc said, "There always has been and always will be the Church." The Holy Father's remark never got much play in the Catholic or secular press, probably because it did not meet "tolerant" or "politically correct" standards, and I think a few people objected to it on those grounds. Perhaps Mr. Miner or someone can correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the title of this blog taken from Belloc? He's a pretty clear thinker. - Louise Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:06:47 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5854 Bill, what irked me, and continues to do so, is your casual dismissal of both the rabbi and the "preacher" without ever engaging their perspectives. Pope Benedict XVI seems willing to engage the world in dialog, as did JP II. What this world needs is strong, confident Catholicism. Neither strong nor confident should lead to arrogant. What if instead of "radio preacher" I had said a Franciscan friar on EWTN? Would you have listened. And, how, if you met the rabbi in person, would you engage his perspective on the importance of Torah, especially the Pentateuch, in helping us to bridge the gap between us and God? Or, would you simply run away shouting "Heretic" or perhaps with crossed fingers chanting "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus"? Forgive the sarcasm, it's bred of annoyance. Try reading the rabbi's article in First Things. Some pretty savvy, well-educated, and strong Catholics are behind First Things. They appeared willing to engage in dialog. Perhaps it would help you to do the same. Please don't forget that, while Catholicism is the fulfillment of God's relationship with mankind, this does not imply that all other faith traditions are 180-degrees wrong. Why, from time to time my "renegade" pastor even allows readings from the Pentateuch at daily Mass. And he appears to do it with the sanction of both Cardinal O'Malley and Pope Benedict XVI. Horrors? - Nick Palmer Thu, 27 Jan 2011 02:35:05 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5835 dear grump, there's a guy you might want to speak to...i'm asking him to speak to your heart and to speak on your behalf. maybe you can listen for his call or knocking. he can be found hanging on a cross, a cross he fully "deserved" for all the sins of his life, looking at the One next to him. i'm asking him to steal Heaven for you as well.....don't give in to the spirit of the guy on the opposite side. please? "the same son that grows the grain, hardens clay..." its what you are made of. He made you for Himself and Heaven. but you know that already.....xo, debby - debby Wed, 26 Jan 2011 03:33:00 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5834 My last word, possibly for good on TCT: Thanks for all your sincere sentiments. I may hang around from time to time to read the articles, which are interesting, and to view the comments, which are usually thoughtful and well-meaning. While I remain open to persuasion, I must remain the pessimist. God "hardened Pharaoh's heart," and he hardened mine, too. A long peaceful sleep is all I ask for. Good luck to all! - Grump Wed, 26 Jan 2011 02:02:21 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5832 Grump: My last word on this: It's not about "me" or "you"! If there's persuading to be done, the Holy Spirit will do it. If, that is, you are willing to be persuaded. -B - Brads Miner Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:32:32 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5831 No harm is ever intended, Nick. My purpose is merely to assist any Catholic who might be led astray by someone who does not possess the credentials to teach orthodox Truth. Remember the injunction from Christ (which applies to ALL of us): "If the blind lead the blind, don't both fall into the pit?". The "pit" is error and, if not corrected, Hell. - Bill Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:15:44 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5830 “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” A thousand years would not suffice. - Louise Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:16:15 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5829 Brad, when God gave out gifts, he didn't give me one that said "faith" on the package. To all of you, I hereby quote King Agrippa (to Paul): “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” - Grump Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:49:05 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5828 And, Bill, we have blogs. I listen to you, and I'll listen to any who have something helpful or challenging to offer. Do you object to my rendition of what he said, or merely that I'd cite him? And, I'll find the Belloc piece, too. Now remind me, which is he: Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, or the Magisterium? - Nick Palmer Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:00:02 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5827 To Nick Palmer, et al. Louise did us all a great service by reminding us of Belloc's work "The Great Heresies" which I had studied in college. I would suggest you "google" the item up and read it on line. It's easy. Belloc describes Mohammedanism(sic) as a heresy which became a "religion". Trained Catholics know that Judaism ended with Christ as He is the Meschiach (Messiah) promised in the Hebrew (Old) Testament. With all due respect to the Rabbi whom Nick Palmer cites, his information is out of date and, quite frankly, irrelevant. THAT is the reason no pope ever visited a synagogue for 1980 years! It wasn't anti-semitism. What could they possibly say? They could not even share, "How's the wife?" Belloc treats with the Reformation as well. Radio preacher? We have Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium of the Church to teach us. - Bill Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:15:18 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5826 Dear Grump, forgive me if I am accosting you, my comments are less astute than all others who have responded to you, it is just that I know so well your mindset becuase I have only recently been liberated from it. The liberation, much to my surprise was not through the mind, but the heart. I would reccomend The Screwtape letters and the Imitation of Christ and then a return to Christ's own words. I am not so articulate, but I empathize greatly. Pray for me, Achilles - Achilles Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:05:40 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5825 Last Holy Thursday night, our old friend R. came to spend the night on his way to New York after giving some lectures at a college in Vermont. He was my husband's best man at our wedding, 55 years ago, brought up a Unitarian but with no contact with any church in his adult life--which included a very successful career in the medical profession. He had been here the previous year with his daughter, and we had had a somewhat heated discussion about abortion because his daughter mentioned that she had been an abortion counselor, and "the stories I heard from those poor girls, just broke your heart and . . .", and, of course, our anti-abortion stance was OK for us, but the church had no right, etc. etc. etc. On this visit, however, after breakfast, we matter-of-factly picked up our "Christian Prayer" books. I had an extra book with pages marked and I showed him how to follow along and join in if he wanted. We proceeded to say Morning Prayer. I believe that his "That was nice" at the end was sincerely meant. Later, as the conversation proceeded, he said, "I've done a lot of thinking about religion, and I've concluded that it is all a myth." Silence. My husband and I continued with our coffee and one of us said, "How's Nancy getting along?" (His wife) The conversation continued on general lines, and then he said, "My Jehovah Witness neighbor comes over every now and then and we sit on the porch and have really interesting discussions. I love a good discussion about religion." Again silence. Then, "To what exotic place will your next vacation take you? How did you like Cyprus?" And the conversation proceeded. When he was just about to get into his car to leave, I said, "R., I just wanted to explain to you. Being Catholic is not something we pick up on Saturday night and put down on Sunday afternoon. Being Catholic is not something we do. It is not something we practice. It is not something we debate. It is not something we think. Being Catholic is something we are. Being Catholic is what we are when we do the dishes, when we clean the barn, when we feed the sheep or trim their hooves. Being Catholic is what we are when we sleep and when we shovel the driveway or weed the garden or trim the shrubbery. It is what we are. Period." I gave him a kiss on the cheek, told him to give our love to Nancy, and sent him on his way. - Louise Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:04:48 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5824 Grump: God plays favorites? No he doesn't. What you are missing - IMHO - is faith. Yes, I know you know that, but I mean that when Jesus, God incarnate, speaks of doing whatever is asked for in His name or about moving mountains, He is talking about what is possible for those whose faith is true faith, whose love of God has placed them in humble union with Him and His will, not just those who use His name carelessly. And our liberty? His omniscience in no way negates our freedom: He knows what we'll do before we do it, because He has infinitely indexed the possibilities. Too many ways? No, because Christ showed us the Way and the Truth and the Life, which is Christ Himself. It seems to me you are carrying the wrong burden, not His cross but your own project of enlightenment. It's not God you believe in but you believing you believe in Him. If you truly believe, you'll give yourself to Him, not cling to your own version of Him. Do you really believe your view of God trumps His love for you? We are all sinners, and we are all confused, but He is love. He, the Creator of all of this, wants you more than you don't want Him. -Brad - Brad Miner Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:44:25 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5822 P.S. To the "other joe"...This forum is one of the view that tolerates dissent in a civil manner. I respect all those who post because they do so in such a way as to not impugn the motives of others. - Grump Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:56:30 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5821 Indeed I am the clay and he is the potter and he has fashioned in me one who believes that he exists but does not believe in him. This may sound novel because most atheists deny god's existence. I don't. I say he exists, but plays favorites (notwithstanding that he is alleged to be "no respecter of persons). For evidence, I point to the blessing/curse quote from the OT. Free will is an illusion if Someone is pulling the strings. Jesus said, 'Ask anything IN MY NAME and it shall be done." In fact, this does not happen to all who ask, even to a minority; perhaps a small fraction. For those few who think they have prayers answered, it enhances belief and hope. To those who have not had prayers answered, it fosters disillusionment and despair. God expects us to be faithful yet he provides no cause for that faith when he fails to 'deliver' on his word. Yes I know we're not supposed to pray for our wills, but for his. But see the contradiction? If his will supersedes ours, then why bother trying to exert ours? We are not 'free' to do so. The 'choice' mentioned by Debby is not really a choice at all, but a sort of command: DO IT MY WAY OR ELSE! OK, so point the way. There are way too many paths to follow. Our lives boil down to what Santayana said, "I am, plus my circumstances." Those of you fortunate to have found peace and joy, I envy you. As for those of us who still seek, we have not necessarily given up, but as the sands in the hourglass run out, hope vanishes with the last grain. As for my blindness to what you see, I hereby quote Thomas Hardy, my favorite author: "There is a condition worse than blindness, and that is, seeing something that isn't there." - Grump Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:54:53 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5819 I find Father Schall's ruminations especially interesting in the light of an article from the October 2010 issue of First Things by Rabbi Meir Soloveichik entitled "Torah and Incarnation." In the article Rabbi Soloveichik describes how for the devout Jew, Torah and the study of Torah are the way humans can reach across the chasm between God's divine nature and our earthly, corporeal one. (I know I'm doing an awful job of capturing the author's point, but...) He contrasts this with the Christian belief in God incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ. As Father Schall notes, this incarnation is wholly unacceptable in the Jewish and Muslim traditions of an unapproachable, ineffable God. I heard a radio preacher describe Christ's coming as, in some small part, God showing us how a God-like human would behave -- a role model. Prior to the Incarnation, we were called to follow God in the law, but had no other way of projecting how we ought to behave save that law. Jesus Christ, by his example, fulfills the law while providing a clear model for our own behavior beyond the law (WWJD?). I think... - Nick Palmer Tue, 25 Jan 2011 07:41:21 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-qhidingq-god.html#comment-5818 Grump - You are speaking from a point of view, and yet existence is greater than any point. With a very slight shift of perspective, everything changes. If you are to be taken at your word, then what you say is meaningless as is your life. The only reason anyone would pay attention is because you are here. If you are here, you risk having your point of view shifted. No argument can penetrate circular reasoning. But you should consider your own experience. You should consider why you bother to note your thoughts in this forum. Love exists. I imagine that you have seen it. Love cannot be compelled - only invited. Walking and talking with Jesus was not enough for Judas. Without free will there is no narrative and no love. The gift and cost of individual consciousness is doubt. Faith is an act as well as a grace. Love. - Other Joe Tue, 25 Jan 2011 07:33:10 +0100