Well see, you’re wrong there, the Living God can affirm there is a Living God by revelation to whom He would reveal Himself to, which would require asking.Belinda wrote: ↑Wed Oct 05, 2022 8:24 pmYou say " the concept is-----". Note you use the definite article. Or are there as many gods as there are persons? The only way out of the dilemma is negative theology. According to negative theology nobody has any authority to affirm God is this or God is that. All we can know is there is something that is not ourself.DPMartin wrote: ↑Wed Oct 05, 2022 4:26 pmyea but you are forming a god in your own image and likeness, which isn't the Living God. the concept is that the Living God who is what He is forms you into His image and likeness. if you form your own god, it may be a god by definition, but its only what you think is good in your own judgement, and technically narcissistic and that god only exists in your imagination.Belinda wrote: ↑Thu Sep 29, 2022 3:10 pm
I agree God and love are the same. God and truth are the same. God and beauty are the same.
However 'compassion' doesn't explain enough. Is compassion the same as feeling affection? Pity? Training? Educating? Soldiering? Empathising? Feeling sympathy? Feeling righteous anger? Being compassionate towards your own nation? Being compassionate towards animals other than mankind? Being compassionate towards the truths of science? Compassion towards child molesters? Compassion towards your own bad behaviour? Is self sacrifice the necessary and sufficient condition for compassion?
The real problem is how to apply the three virtues that comprise God into how to live well. If you are going to say compassion is the key then you need to be able to say a good deal more about what compassion means to you. There have been almost uncountable stories and plays also Hollywood films with the theme of compassion in action.
The Living God is a Spirit if that’s what you are speaking of, but there’s only One way. One God One way.
The only way to become what is not ourself is the mystic's way, sometimes described as complete abnegation of self in compassion towards what is not self.
Well consider, since the Living God is creator and Judge that would mean He has provided everything necessary for the fulfillment of the Life He has given through His Son Jesus Christ. There’s no martyrdom involved unless you live in a Islam nation or maybe still China. And still Christians are trying to get out of Muslim nations as we speak. They are not seeking martyrdom at all.The above compassion strategy has a time limit set by existential needs. Nobody is Jesus Christ and sooner or later unless you want to become a martyr you have to return to the world of separate egos. You need to find food and eat it. You need to sleep and find a shelter for sleeping in. You need to find medical care for your child.
Martyrs in the NT such as the Apostles, were called to a special job or service so others would not have to.