Is it selfish to believe in a personal God?

[discus70]

Is it egotistical and selfish to believe in a personal God?

If not, then why ( in the case of Christianity ) is heaven only granted to specific people and not everyone?

If God created all things wouldn't he want all of his creation to have eternal life in heaven?

[Mydian]

I really dont think its selfish to believe in a personal God. Just dont expect me to believe in it. If its personal then its only unique to you no one else.

If it is a personal God then its hell or heaven is only applicable to the person that believes. It cant be a personal god and be applicable to all.

Providing God exists you would have to prove he has any interest in us whatsoever.

[Mr. Fess]

Is it egotistical and selfish to believe in a personal God?

If not, then why ( in the case of Christianity ) is heaven only granted to specific people and not everyone?

If God created all things wouldn't he want all of his creation to have eternal life in heaven?

This is kind of an odd question, because in sense, the God of Christianity is both personal and much larger than simply personal. In other words, there's an individual aspect to one's coming to Christ in terms of salvation, but God desires to build a community of believers; hence "the great commission". Also, I don't think you're understanding the context of salvation in Christ. For it's obviously apparent that the Christian God DOES desire ALL his creation to be saved, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone...This is good, and pleases God our savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1,3, & 4). Yet, even though God desires all his creation to be saved, he's not going to force us into a relationship with him. In other words, he allows man the "free will" to choose him; and that, in and of itself, is love. For if you truly think about it, God is said to have all authority in heaven and earth. So, it's rather illogical that God should even give mere human beings the authority to choose a relationship with him, by accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior. What an amazing, loving God!

So, I guess to answer your question (which I'm not positive what exactly you're looking for), the Christian God is both personal and big enough for an entire community of believers. Therefore, any "personal god" outside of the Christian God is in fact selfish, as one is choosing to doing things "their way" rather than choosing to do things "God's way" by submitting one's life to the authority and will of God through the acceptance of Jesus Christ into one's life.

[discus70]

Is it egotistical and selfish to believe in a personal God?

If not, then why ( in the case of Christianity ) is heaven only granted to specific people and not everyone?

If God created all things wouldn't he want all of his creation to have eternal life in heaven?

This is kind of an odd question, because in sense, the God of Christianity is both personal and much larger than simply personal. In other words, there's an individual aspect to one's coming to Christ in terms of salvation, but God desires to build a community of believers; hence "the great commission". Also, I don't think you're understanding the context of salvation in Christ. For it's obviously apparent that the Christian God DOES desire ALL his creation to be saved, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone...This is good, and pleases God our savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1,3, & 4). Yet, even though God desires all his creation to be saved, he's not going to force us into a relationship with him. In other words, he allows man the "free will" to choose him; and that, in and of itself, is love. For if you truly think about it, God is said to have all authority in heaven and earth. So, it's rather illogical that God should even give mere human beings the authority to choose a relationship with him, by accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior. What an amazing, loving God!

So, I guess to answer your question (which I'm not positive what exactly you're looking for), the Christian God is both personal and big enough for an entire community of believers. Therefore, any "personal god" outside of the Christian God is in fact selfish, as one is choosing to doing things "their way" rather than choosing to do things "God's way" by submitting one's life to the authority and will of God through the acceptance of Jesus Christ into one's life.

First things first....please do not preach to me, I will never believe in Christianity so save the preaching for the less intelligent and easily influenced.

Also, I will take a note from Zzzyzx here. The Holly Huddle subgroup is a great place for you to express your need to convert others and praise Jesus. Your ideals and beliefs might be more fitting there.

You hardly answered any of my questions. You gave no reason at all for why these "other" gods are selfish. Please list and prove that these "other" gods " are indeed selfish.

Your explanation for why the Christian interpretation of God can't be personal is very weak.

The fact that your belief consists of God answering prayers and choosing to help those that he wants is pretty self explanatory to why the Christian interpretation of God is personal.

Believing that God watches over you and protects you makes the Christian interpretation of God a personal one.

Lets try this again....please prove otherwise.

[Mr. Fess]

Is it egotistical and selfish to believe in a personal God?

If not, then why ( in the case of Christianity ) is heaven only granted to specific people and not everyone?

If God created all things wouldn't he want all of his creation to have eternal life in heaven?

This is kind of an odd question, because in sense, the God of Christianity is both personal and much larger than simply personal. In other words, there's an individual aspect to one's coming to Christ in terms of salvation, but God desires to build a community of believers; hence "the great commission". Also, I don't think you're understanding the context of salvation in Christ. For it's obviously apparent that the Christian God DOES desire ALL his creation to be saved, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone...This is good, and pleases God our savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1,3, & 4). Yet, even though God desires all his creation to be saved, he's not going to force us into a relationship with him. In other words, he allows man the "free will" to choose him; and that, in and of itself, is love. For if you truly think about it, God is said to have all authority in heaven and earth. So, it's rather illogical that God should even give mere human beings the authority to choose a relationship with him, by accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior. What an amazing, loving God!

So, I guess to answer your question (which I'm not positive what exactly you're looking for), the Christian God is both personal and big enough for an entire community of believers. Therefore, any "personal god" outside of the Christian God is in fact selfish, as one is choosing to doing things "their way" rather than choosing to do things "God's way" by submitting one's life to the authority and will of God through the acceptance of Jesus Christ into one's life.

First things first....please do not preach to me, I will never believe in Christianity so save the preaching for the less intelligent and easily influenced.

Also, I will take a note from Zzzyzx here. The Holly Huddle subgroup is a great place for you to express your need to convert others and praise Jesus. Your ideals and beliefs might be more fitting there.

You hardly answered any of my questions. You gave no reason at all for why these "other" gods are selfish. Please list and prove that these "other" gods " are indeed selfish.

Your explanation for why the Christian interpretation of God can't be personal is very weak.

The fact that your belief consists of God answering prayers and choosing to help those that he wants is pretty self explanatory to why the Christian interpretation of God is personal.

Believing that God watches over you and protects you makes the Christian interpretation of God a personal one.

Lets try this again....please prove otherwise.

Hey man, I think you need to relax a little bit. I wasn't attempting to preach to you. The only reason I focused on the Christian God is because YOU specifically requested such in your original statement. You said, "If not, then why (in the case of Christianity) is heaven only granted to specific people and not everyone."

I was simply giving my opinion on the subject. Isn't that what you asked for? In fact, isn't that what this forum is for? Your opinion is very clear, why is my opinion not valid? In no way did I tell you to repent and ask the Christian God for forgiveness of your sins. Quite frankly, I never addressed you personally on the issue at all. In order to be preaching to you I would certainly have to do so. However, I don't think that's what these forums are for; and I think you would agree with me.

So, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from going into "instant attack mode", and just read my posts and others for what they are..."opinions".

[discus70]

Is it egotistical and selfish to believe in a personal God?

If not, then why ( in the case of Christianity ) is heaven only granted to specific people and not everyone?

If God created all things wouldn't he want all of his creation to have eternal life in heaven?

This is kind of an odd question, because in sense, the God of Christianity is both personal and much larger than simply personal. In other words, there's an individual aspect to one's coming to Christ in terms of salvation, but God desires to build a community of believers; hence "the great commission". Also, I don't think you're understanding the context of salvation in Christ. For it's obviously apparent that the Christian God DOES desire ALL his creation to be saved, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone...This is good, and pleases God our savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1,3, & 4). Yet, even though God desires all his creation to be saved, he's not going to force us into a relationship with him. In other words, he allows man the "free will" to choose him; and that, in and of itself, is love. For if you truly think about it, God is said to have all authority in heaven and earth. So, it's rather illogical that God should even give mere human beings the authority to choose a relationship with him, by accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior. What an amazing, loving God!

So, I guess to answer your question (which I'm not positive what exactly you're looking for), the Christian God is both personal and big enough for an entire community of believers. Therefore, any "personal god" outside of the Christian God is in fact selfish, as one is choosing to doing things "their way" rather than choosing to do things "God's way" by submitting one's life to the authority and will of God through the acceptance of Jesus Christ into one's life.

First things first....please do not preach to me, I will never believe in Christianity so save the preaching for the less intelligent and easily influenced.

Also, I will take a note from Zzzyzx here. The Holly Huddle subgroup is a great place for you to express your need to convert others and praise Jesus. Your ideals and beliefs might be more fitting there.

You hardly answered any of my questions. You gave no reason at all for why these "other" gods are selfish. Please list and prove that these "other" gods " are indeed selfish.

Your explanation for why the Christian interpretation of God can't be personal is very weak.

The fact that your belief consists of God answering prayers and choosing to help those that he wants is pretty self explanatory to why the Christian interpretation of God is personal.

Believing that God watches over you and protects you makes the Christian interpretation of God a personal one.

Lets try this again....please prove otherwise.

Hey man, I think you need to relax a little bit. I wasn't attempting to preach to you. The only reason I focused on the Christian God is because YOU specifically requested such in your original statement. You said, "If not, then why (in the case of Christianity) is heaven only granted to specific people and not everyone."

I was simply giving my opinion on the subject. Isn't that what you asked for? In fact, isn't that what this forum is for? Your opinion is very clear, why is my opinion not valid? In no way did I tell you to repent and ask the Christian God for forgiveness of your sins. Quite frankly, I never addressed you personally on the issue at all. In order to be preaching to you I would certainly have to do so. However, I don't think that's what these forums are for; and I think you would agree with me.

So, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from going into "instant attack mode", and just read my posts and others for what they are..."opinions".

I did in fact read your post numerous times trying find something that could relate to the questions I presented.

Your exactly right, your preaching wasn't directed towards me, but you were still preaching. Stating that God wants all of us to know his truth, or something along those lines is preaching. Your preaching to all those that read this. Try to take my direct response as a learning tool. There are many others on this forum who would have been a little more straight forward with their response to your post.

Back to the topic at hand.

How is the Christian interpretation of God not a personal one?

How are all the " other " gods selfish?

[InTheFlesh]

Why do you call it a Christian interpretation?
If the bible says it, it is not interpretation.

Do you realize
you posted in the doctrine sub-forum?
Are you seeking a biblical point of view?

Can you define personal?
The bible speaks of only ONE God!

[discus70]

Why do you call it a Christian interpretation?
If the bible says it, it is not interpretation.

Do you realize
you posted in the doctrine sub-forum?
Are you seeking a biblical point of view?

Can you define personal?
The bible speaks of only ONE God!

Because I believe in God and I have a belief in what God is or might be.

I believe that most religions are all worshiping the same deity but have decided to personalize god for their own selfish and political reasons.

Just because the bible says something doesn't make it right. The bible also mentions that children should be killed if they argue with their parents. ( something along those lines )

The bible says it, so do you believe you should do it? After all if you don't then I guess your disobeying the word of God.


Yes I do realize I posted in here.

I asked some pretty straight forward questions.

See my initial post.

[Amos]

Is it egotistical and selfish to believe in a personal God?

If not, then why ( in the case of Christianity ) is heaven only granted to specific people and not everyone?

If God created all things wouldn't he want all of his creation to have eternal life in heaven?

This is kind of an odd question, because in sense, the God of Christianity is both personal and much larger than simply personal. In other words, there's an individual aspect to one's coming to Christ in terms of salvation, but God desires to build a community of believers; hence "the great commission". Also, I don't think you're understanding the context of salvation in Christ. For it's obviously apparent that the Christian God DOES desire ALL his creation to be saved, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone...This is good, and pleases God our savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1,3, & 4). Yet, even though God desires all his creation to be saved, he's not going to force us into a relationship with him. In other words, he allows man the "free will" to choose him; and that, in and of itself, is love. For if you truly think about it, God is said to have all authority in heaven and earth. So, it's rather illogical that God should even give mere human beings the authority to choose a relationship with him, by accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior. What an amazing, loving God!

So, I guess to answer your question (which I'm not positive what exactly you're looking for), the Christian God is both personal and big enough for an entire community of believers. Therefore, any "personal god" outside of the Christian God is in fact selfish, as one is choosing to doing things "their way" rather than choosing to do things "God's way" by submitting one's life to the authority and will of God through the acceptance of Jesus Christ into one's life.

First things first....please do not preach to me, I will never believe in Christianity so save the preaching for the less intelligent and easily influenced.

Also, I will take a note from Zzzyzx here. The Holly Huddle subgroup is a great place for you to express your need to convert others and praise Jesus. Your ideals and beliefs might be more fitting there.

You hardly answered any of my questions. You gave no reason at all for why these "other" gods are selfish. Please list and prove that these "other" gods " are indeed selfish.

Your explanation for why the Christian interpretation of God can't be personal is very weak.

The fact that your belief consists of God answering prayers and choosing to help those that he wants is pretty self explanatory to why the Christian interpretation of God is personal.

Believing that God watches over you and protects you makes the Christian interpretation of God a personal one.

Lets try this again....please prove otherwise.

You might want to cool your jets and read the purpose of this particular subforum:

The purpose of this subforum is to have a place to freely engage in debates on Christian theology with the basic assumption that the Bible can be used as a primary reference without the need to defend its authority. Responses to topics with "but first you have to prove that the Bible is true" is not allowed here.

This subforum is for debating Christian theology. It seems to me that you asked a question that belongs in here, but when you got an answer that one might expect in this subforum, you got offended.

In answer to your questions:
It is not egotistical and selfish to believe God cares about us as individuals; that's what the bible teaches (Matthew 10:30, 1 Peter 5:7).

Heaven is only granted to a few because only a few bother to do what God has commanded for us to do in order to go to heaven (Romans 6:16-18, Luke 6:46, John 8:51, John 8:24, Luke 13:3, Matthew 10:32-33, Mark 16:16, Luke 9:62).

God wants all men to have eternal life, but He requires obedience from us (2 Peter 3:9, Titus 2:11-12, John 3:16).

[discus70]

Is it egotistical and selfish to believe in a personal God?

If not, then why ( in the case of Christianity ) is heaven only granted to specific people and not everyone?

If God created all things wouldn't he want all of his creation to have eternal life in heaven?

This is kind of an odd question, because in sense, the God of Christianity is both personal and much larger than simply personal. In other words, there's an individual aspect to one's coming to Christ in terms of salvation, but God desires to build a community of believers; hence "the great commission". Also, I don't think you're understanding the context of salvation in Christ. For it's obviously apparent that the Christian God DOES desire ALL his creation to be saved, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone...This is good, and pleases God our savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1,3, & 4). Yet, even though God desires all his creation to be saved, he's not going to force us into a relationship with him. In other words, he allows man the "free will" to choose him; and that, in and of itself, is love. For if you truly think about it, God is said to have all authority in heaven and earth. So, it's rather illogical that God should even give mere human beings the authority to choose a relationship with him, by accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior. What an amazing, loving God!

So, I guess to answer your question (which I'm not positive what exactly you're looking for), the Christian God is both personal and big enough for an entire community of believers. Therefore, any "personal god" outside of the Christian God is in fact selfish, as one is choosing to doing things "their way" rather than choosing to do things "God's way" by submitting one's life to the authority and will of God through the acceptance of Jesus Christ into one's life.

First things first....please do not preach to me, I will never believe in Christianity so save the preaching for the less intelligent and easily influenced.

Also, I will take a note from Zzzyzx here. The Holly Huddle subgroup is a great place for you to express your need to convert others and praise Jesus. Your ideals and beliefs might be more fitting there.

You hardly answered any of my questions. You gave no reason at all for why these "other" gods are selfish. Please list and prove that these "other" gods " are indeed selfish.

Your explanation for why the Christian interpretation of God can't be personal is very weak.

The fact that your belief consists of God answering prayers and choosing to help those that he wants is pretty self explanatory to why the Christian interpretation of God is personal.

Believing that God watches over you and protects you makes the Christian interpretation of God a personal one.

Lets try this again....please prove otherwise.

You might want to cool your jets and read the purpose of this particular subforum:

The purpose of this subforum is to have a place to freely engage in debates on Christian theology with the basic assumption that the Bible can be used as a primary reference without the need to defend its authority. Responses to topics with "but first you have to prove that the Bible is true" is not allowed here.

This subforum is for debating Christian theology. It seems to me that you asked a question that belongs in here, but when you got an answer that one might expect in this subforum, you got offended.

In answer to your questions:
It is not egotistical and selfish to believe God cares about us as individuals; that's what the bible teaches (Matthew 10:30, 1 Peter 5:7).

Heaven is only granted to a few because only a few bother to do what God has commanded for us to do in order to go to heaven (Romans 6:16-18, Luke 6:46, John 8:51, John 8:24, Luke 13:3, Matthew 10:32-33, Mark 16:16, Luke 9:62).

God wants all men to have eternal life, but He requires obedience from us (2 Peter 3:9, Titus 2:11-12, John 3:16).

What jets do you speak of ? How should I cool them off? Others have stated their stance and position. I have stated mine. This is fair , is it not?

Once again preaching is preaching. I am more then willing to debate biblical issues and Christian beliefs. Stating that " God "wants all those to know his truth is preaching." How is anyone really supposed to know what God wants?

It is not egotistical and selfish to believe God cares about us as individuals; that's what the bible teaches (Matthew 10:30, 1 Peter 5:7).

How is it not selfish?

Believing that God will choose to help certain people over others is one of the most egotistical and selfish beliefs out there. Especially when you consider the fact that God created everything.