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What about indigenous belief lile shinto, animism, bon and the like that are opposite of the abrahamic monotheistic paradigm? How come the natural faith of man isn't something closer to christianity?
I know greek philosopher got close and I know we can deduce the existence of God from nature but this always seemed weird to me. Christian faith makes a lot of sense but it relies a lot on revelation that was limited to the vast majority of humanity for the vast majority of history, even if we assume young earth.
Should we adopt a zeitgeist view of all religion pointing the same thing? I see a lot of christian philosophy in the tao te ching for exemple.
This is one of those things where imagination about hypotheticals turns into a big stumblingblock people set up for themselves. They figure for the sake of figuring that there must have been situations where things they fear might be are realized, even when the reality of life shows a different picture. This is because God is in charge, not us. And it's not just optional to have the trust that he is the most just being in existence.
When you are find yourself to think in hypotheticals about what it must be like in the past or some distant place, remember that these are all unproven, but merely your mind's attempt to fill in the world. Or in many cases especially now, ideas others have planted in your mind. Which may not even be true. Because again, that's just our imagination and Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. So take the humility not to let it define your perception.
I truly believe, without watering down the meaning even at all, that the following is true.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Matthew 7:7-11
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Romans 1:20
Thoughts ?
I've never been concerned that Christianity is just one religion out of thousands. Just like I've never be concerned that modern science is just one view of the universe compared to thousands of others from primitive cultures.
I tend to agree, and I see it more as a personal thing. I suppose everyone has their own views regarding their own faith.
I find others views interesting even though they seldom affect my own.
Thanks!