[kosta50]

Thus rather than receiving the words of God in their full power as if a child...

Why would God create a rational being, in his image and likeness only to demand of him to become like a naïve child?

>i>In effect, such a person [i.e. the one who rationalizes God and refuses to be a child] can only accept a "god" that fits within his obviously limited ability to comprehend him. His "god" is a fabrication, an idol of his imagination.

But a child-like person accept everything dished out at him by men who wrote the scriptures, right? How's that different than finding gifts under the Christmas tree and being told that Santa really did come through the chimney (even if you don't have one!) to leave the gifts and you believe it?

Now, if I wanted to control a whole bunch of people the first thing I would do is make sure they believe everything I say, just like children. Conveniently.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

if I wanted to control a whole bunch of people the first thing I would do is make sure they believe everything I say, just like children.

Very true. And since many of us have seen how other devious human beings work over-time to control other people using all sorts of pretenses and lies to achieve that end, it behooves us all to examine what is being taught and by whom.

Islam teaches anger and slaughter. Buddhism teach nihilism and nothingness. Hinduism teaches polytheism and resignation.

Christianity is the ONLY religion that teaches men to be kind; to give of themselves; to help their fellow man; to be fruitful and multiple so more can benefit; and to be confident not only in the present but in the future.

And Christianity is the ONLY religion that teaches all this mental and physical well-being is the result, not of men's own fallible efforts, but because of God's infallible determination.

Do you know what accounts for a child's best hope for a happy, secure life as an adult? It is to know they are loved unconditionally, so that they learn to TRUST that love. Trust.

The trust of the child isn't much different than the trust of the adult. I trust God to do what He said He would do. And the evidence of that being true is that I have seen it occur in my own life and in the lives of those around me.

I am satisfied with that. To not be satisfied with love and met expectations is the definition of neurosis.

[Alamo-Girl]

But a child-like person accept everything dished out at him by men who wrote the scriptures, right?

The men were scribes, God was the author.

But the words of God can only be spiritually discerned.

Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word. – John 8:43

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. - I Cor 2:14

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: - John 10:27

Children are generally not skeptics; they love, they believe, they trust.

Then one of them, [which was] a lawyer, asked [him a question], tempting him, and saying, Master, which [is] the great commandment in the law?

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

This is the first and great commandment.

And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. – Matthew 22:35-40

Therefore, the great peril for those who would offend the children:

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. - Matt 18:6

And God will have vengeance against the proud.

For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low: - Isaiah 2:12

God's Name is I AM.

[annalex]

Why would God create a rational being, in his image and likeness only to demand of him to become like a naïve child?

In order to be more like God, in Whom simplicity and majesty coincide.

The childlike faith that Christ praised is not the same as superstitious belief in one's pastor's interpretation of scripture. That is, indeed, allowing men to control you.

[betty boop]

Why would God create a rational being, in his image and likeness only to demand of him to become like a naïve child?

I think the point is a child sees things directly, without filtering reality through a whole ton of preconceived notions, and trying to adjust his "reality" to fit their terms.