Believing in God, But Not Literally

I've read God's Debris, and I thought it was a very interesting read.I think he is partly right to say that the majority of people who believe to dot act accordingly and that if they really did believe their entire life would be devoted to serving God and obeying Him. Jesus said, "if you love me, obey my commands."He also said, "Many will come to me saying, 'Lord, Lord, we healed and cast out demons in your name', and I will say, 'away from me, you evil doers. I do not know you'" Seems like it will be the case at the end that many who believed symbolically as you say did not give their entire lives in faith. Perhaps Jesus is speaking here about the televangelists. I don't know.If everyone who claims to be a Christian obeyed Christ's commands as best they were able, there would be no more orphans or uncared for widows or hunger crisis.

This I somewhat disagree with.If a believer automatically assumes the other person is crazy or deluded, then they assume miracles do not occur, and I wonder how much they really believe in Christ's ressurrection.On the other hand, I have a friend who has told me of things God has shown him and said to him, and it was very odd at first. But I think this is natural. Humans just can't identify with an experience they've never had.

Thanks for your reply. Well, you see your wife every day and your dog barks all the time, but miracles are a little more special. I live across town from a chemical plant that has the potential to blow up. I realize it could blow up, but I would still be a little shocked if it actually did. I know Jackson Hole Wyoming is a beautiful place, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't be awed when I got there and saw it for myself. I believe God can perform miracles, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't be amazed if he performed a big one right now.Now there is an idea out there that miracles, healing, tounges, knowledge, discerning spirits, etc. were gifts that were taken away after the church got its footing (my previous pastor taught this), but I see no scriptural basis for this. So some people may have been taught that these things do not happen today, but I am learning of more honest Christians who have had these gifts even today.

No, I think it says they are human. Humans have the ability to cover up information and illuminate it when they want to. Obviously we are not perfect and cannot live up to Christ's commands completely, but that's why he came: to show mercy. Every time someone asked Christ what a person must do to be saved, he gave them a different answer. He reminds us that all things are possible with God, but that we must seek to enter by the narrow gate. I think only God can judge where a person's heart is even if their mind is somewhat confused.

At school I have to constantly remind myself why I am doing all this crap; because I believe someday it will pay off. I've never been in love very long, but I imagine that after 10 years of marriage a husband and wife may be tempted in various directions, and they must remind themselves of their devotion and vows to the other person. It is the same way with God.I agree with Robin and Asgara. There is not just believing and unbelieving; there is a spectrum between the two. I think that where the person's desire lies is more important than what their mind has actually accepted as truth. In Mark, "The Child's father in tears cried out to Jesus, 'I believe, help my unbelief!'"So, IMO, the person who strongly desires to believe in God and obey Him, but has a mind that is filled with doubt is better off than those who have never doubted with their minds, but desire Him not.