The White Mountains and the Beatific Vision- Conclusion

The conclusion to this 2-part video on the Beatific Vision with Mt. Washington, New Hampshire as the backdrop.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Mt.
• Washington
• White
• Mountains
• beatific
• vision
• C.H.
• Spurgeon
• nature
• God
• Jesus
• Christ
• gospel
• truth

[bberchin]

Many people, even myself sometimes, certainly add things to the faith that scripture just does not support, but yes, believing in God and relying upon Christ alone for eternal life is what I described above and more. Once we let go of our false sense of autonomy and humble ourselves in repentence to God we see what a wonderful joy and blessing His care and sovereignty is.

[4McClain]

If that is what believing in God is then I am all for it, Unfortunately most religions like to add all kinds of stuff that get in the way of following a path of humility, understanding, and compassion, which is how I see the religious or spiritual life.

[bberchin]

Actually, that's a wonderful reference and it applies very well to what I'm talking about. Certainly it is not a rejection of knowledge or evidence, but rather an acceptence of our limitations as people and being content with the fact we will never be able to explain everything. What's more, God is control of all things and even the things which we do not and will not understand. To me, that is a comfort.

[4McClain]

bberchin, Interesting analogy, I think in a lot of ways we agree. I just don't think that words, like God, mystery, etc are important but rather what they point to which is beyond words. I am reminded of the Psalm "Be still and know that I am God" In my opinion acceptance, knowledge, and an open mind are more important than belief.

[bberchin]

...your not knowing how the artist did it exactly does not take away from it's beauty or your affection for that artist and his work. In fact, if you are an aspiring artist you will learn much about how that artist paints and try to emulate him. You will never achieve his level of artistry, but the joy is in trying and getting to know his work better and better as you improve in your own work. (The analogy breaks down, of course, in that many artists out do their mentors, but you get my point)

[bberchin]

My knowledge of God being the Creator does not take out any mystery. In fact, it adds much mystery and brings up more questions. Ignorance is not a healthy kind of mystery, but anticipation and wonder is. When you consider God's eternality, which is a great mystery, and the fact He was not created you are faced with a mystery that cannot be solved in this life, but can be sought after and cherished. It's like enjoying the beauty of a great piece of art, but not knowing how the artist did it...

[4McClain]

That is not a question I would even ask, but when I was growing up I used to ask that question and then fill in God for the answer,, but that just pushed the problem one step back to who or what created God? Also an all powerful being creating a universe leaves out the mystery and wonder of it all, for such an act would be trivial for an all powerful being. I find that accepting the mystery and being humbled by it is what works for me.

[bberchin]

You said you have been given an opportunity to live and experience the wonders of the cosmos- who gave you that opportunity?

[4McClain]

"How do you process such things as an unbeliever?"

It gives me a sense of awe and wonder which leads to a sense of humility. It also gives me great appreciation for life and the opportunity I have been given to live and experience the wonders of the cosmos. It reminds me that life is precious and to life every moment to it's fullest.

[bberchin]

What does a sight like that mean to you? Does it have any meaning beyond yourself? How do you process such things as an unbeliever?