Replies

It seems to me that if God is all merciful and just, He should be available to everyone, regardless of the time or place of his birth. A man born in Egypt a thousand years ago, or a man born in India five thousand years ago, or a man born in America five years ago will, on average, have very different views of life based on their culture, language and climate. Regardless, I believe these men can turn to God and receive His grace. They will not be using the same words or worshipping in the same traditions, but I believe God is far, far greater than those limited words and traditions.

By definition God is unlimited, infinite, immortal, omniscient and omnipresent. There can only be one such Being. If one argues that his god is superior to all other gods, then he is arguing that his god has limitations and therefore is not the ultimate God. That is, in my opinion, a form of unintended idolatry. That, or he is assuming that men from different times and places than his own are not seeking almighty God, but rather some lower god. This is an arrogant assumption. The other possiblity is that God is not fair or merciful, and does not make Himself available to all.

It seems to me that if God is all merciful and just, He should be available to everyone, regardless of the time or place of his birth.

Yes, it seems to you, but do you know everything? Does it seem to God as it does to you? Must God be available when He knows if His availability will be in vain? Must God reach out to someone whom God knows will not accept His gift?

A man born in Egypt a thousand years ago, or a man born in India five thousand years ago, or a man born in America five years ago will, on average, have very different views of life based on their culture, language and climate. Regardless, I believe these men can turn to God and receive His grace. They will not be using the same words or worshiping in the same traditions, but I believe God is far, far greater than those limited words and traditions.

So you don't believe in moral absolutes? God has no moral absolutes?

Ironically, your words here make the case that men must turn to accept God. If all beliefs are equal, then man should not have to turn.

By definition God is unlimited, infinite, immortal, omniscient and omnipresent.

By who's definition? Where do you base your beliefs? What book, teaching, etc.? Who are you or who do you spiritually identify with?

There can only be one such Being. If one argues that his god is superior to all other gods, then he is arguing that his god has limitations and therefore is not the ultimate God. That is, in my opinion, a form of unintended idolatry. That, or he is assuming that men from different times and places than his own are not seeking almighty God, but rather some lower god. This is an arrogant assumption. The other possibility is that God is not fair or merciful, and does not make Himself available to all.

So you don't put limitations on your god? You don't give your moral absolutes to your god? You have just deemed your god above all others. You have just put your definition of fairness and mercy above all others. You have just limited your god to a god who must make himself available to all. Very convenient to have god in your back pocket like that.