How does one "choose" a Belief System?

[Luce NDs]

Under the philosophical definition of "agnostic", one can be an agnostic and a Christian. It means one regards the existence of God, an afterlife, etc. as a matter of faith which is not provable by reason or empiricism (yes, I'm repeating myself but it is relevant to my answer), which is a position one can hold and still have such a faith. The definition of "agnostic" as someone who doesn't have definite beliefs about metaphysical matters is a modern one, though many philosophical agnostics also fit that definition (e.g. your truly).

Spoken, BTW, by a former "agnostic Christian".

Seeker of truth given the proliferation of Leis in the surrounding ... a' environment? Blossoming soul/shole?

 

[paradox3]

The definition of "agnostic" as someone who doesn't have definite beliefs about metaphysical matters is a modern one, though many philosophical agnostics also fit that definition (e.g. your truly).

Another definition of agnostic = one who believes in the existence of God but believes the nature of God is unknowable. Don't know if this definition passes muster or not but it is the one I grew up with.

 

[Luce NDs]

Another definition of agnostic = one who believes in the existence of God but believes the nature of God is unknowable. Don't know if this definition passes muster or not but it is the one I grew up with.

How mystical in a word ...

 

[blackbelt1961]

The complete lack of evidence for it.

so I take it then that you have no faith in yourself

sad

 

[paradox3]

Since you're probably an agnostic, why don't you identify as an agnostic?

Because the Christian part of my identification is much more important to me. And I don't see any reason to call myself a Christian agnostic. Or agnostic Christian for that matter.

 

[Luce NDs]

so I take it then that you have no faith in yourself

sad

As the great unknown god is beyond us ... I remain within Uncertainty Theory ... odd to the determined they know all ... sets our emotions free to wander and ... well-learn! Some whetted lass ... A' qu' Arian? Unlike anything Hitler claimed ...

 

[blackbelt1961]

Because the Christian part of my identification is much more important to me. And I don't see any reason to call myself a Christian agnostic. Or agnostic Christian for that matter.

which is why one Must be born again

 

[paradox3]

which is why one Must be born again

Is this a one time occurrence or a process that repeats itself? In your view?

 

[blackbelt1961]

Is this a one time occurrence or a process that repeats itself? In your view?

once ones spirit is spiritually open to the reality of the Creator its done

 

[Luce NDs]

which is why one Must be born again

We appear to be a dippy race ... thus the need for cycles ...

 

[Jaebius]

Is this a one time occurrence or a process that repeats itself? In your view?

It's a one time occurence, I believe (not answering for my brother bb). Albeit, sanctification is to be an everyday process.

 

[Luce NDs]

It's a one time occurence, I believe (not answering for my brother bb). Albeit, sanctification is to be an everyday process.

The sinking experience at night when drifting into the unknown? As' pyre! Blazing darkness if you carry a torch for someone ...

 

[Mendalla]

Another definition of agnostic = one who believes in the existence of God but believes the nature of God is unknowable. Don't know if this definition passes muster or not but it is the one I grew up with.

That's another one that I followed at times, too. Follows from the philosophical one, really. If you can't know God's existence other than through faith, how could you know God's nature save through faith?

 

[paradox3]

It's a one time occurence, I believe (not answering for my brother bb). Albeit, sanctification is to be an everyday process.

Better explain sanctification, please.

Actually I know what the word means but I don't know how you are using it here.

 

[Luce NDs]

That's another one that I followed at times, too. Follows from the philosophical one, really. If you can't know God's existence other than through faith, how could you know God's nature save through faith?

Fateful destiny of a rare impact ... almost like a sting of the ring-Hur ... encyclical!

 

[paradox3]

That's another one that I followed at times, too. Follows from the philosophical one, really. If you can't know God's existence other than through faith, how could you know God's nature save through faith?

Interesting how faith shifts in our lifetimes, isn't it?

People often talk about evolving faith as a linear process. I experience it more like a circle or a spiral.

 

[Jaebius]

Better explain sanctification, please.

Actually I know what the word means but I don't know how you are using it here.

"The generic meaning of sanctification is "the state of proper functioning." To sanctify someone or something is to set that person or thing apart for the use intended by its designer. A pen is "sanctified" when used to write. Eyeglasses are "sanctified" when used to improve sight. In the theological sense, things are sanctified when they are used for the purpose God intends. A human being is sanctified, therefore, when he or she lives according to God's design and purpose." - source: Read and Study the Bible Online - Search, Find Verses

 

[paradox3]

So living according to God's design and purpose would make one holy?

How is this a process, as you see it?

 

[Jaebius]

So living according to God's design and purpose would make one holy?

How is this a process, as you see it?

It's a process, I believe, because it requires work - work of the Holy Ghost in us, and our participation in said work.

"Know ye not, that they that run in a furlong, all run, but one taketh the prize? So run ye, that ye catch." - 1 Corinthians 9:24 (WYC).

 

[GeoFee]

Sanctification is comparable to an athelete in training. Daily discipline by which that which hinders is removed and that which helps is strengthened.