[Dr. Eckleburg]

I think God devised the Scriptures as the primary means for the Holy Spirit to reach God's children. I honestly don't know the extent of the Holy Spirit's work outside of Scripture, but I would never deny it.

"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD." -- 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

As far as knowing God through nature, that's a little different. I do believe the beauty of God's creation is a gift. But I tend to like how Katherine Hepburn sized up the matter to Humphrey Bogart in "The African Queen."

"Nature, Mr. Allnut, is what we are put in this world to rise above."

8~)

[DarthVader]

Bravo!!

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you so much for sharing your insights and thank you for the beautiful Scriptures!

As far as knowing God through nature, that's a little different. I do believe the beauty of God's creation is a gift.

Indeed, God's Creation - both physical and spiritual - is a beautiful gift. And yet it will all be replaced by the new heaven and new earth. In the meantime, we are to notice what it can tell us:

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

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. [There is] no speech nor language, [where] their voice is not heard. - Psalms 19:1-3

Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. – Romans 8:21-22

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. – Revelation 21:1

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence. For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. – Col 1:12-20

[kosta50]

I tend to like how Katherine Hepburn sized up the matter to Humphrey Bogart in "The African Queen." "Nature, Mr. Allnut, is what we are put in this world to rise above."

That is, actually, very Orthodox, you know. :)

[annalex]

I honestly don't know the extent of the Holy Spirit's work outside of Scripture, but I would never deny it

Why don't you know? It is not hard, or too late, to study:

Fathers
Summa Theologica