Quote:
Originally Posted by Makarov
First test: plausibility. Does what this person is saying accord with my experiences of the way the world works.
Second test: I would adopt this test of yours, paying close attention to the bolded bit:
These simple tests have so far lead me to disbelieve every single person who has ever claimed to hear the voice of God.
|
fair enough. If someone said to me God told them they should be a missionary, or they should be a pastor, I would tend to believe them. If I use your first test, well I can't because it doesn't apply. the second test we both agree, and I would say they aren't saying it for personal gain (except maybe assuring themselves they are making the right decision, in which case I don't care as it doesn't effect me)
if someone told me God told them I needed to stop doing some sin, or I should make a certain decision, I would use a variation of your first test, "does this fit with what I understand of how the world works or what the bible says, what I believe etc"
then the second test, is this person out for personal gain, well I would certainly be considerate of how it would affect them.
if someone told me God told them the world will end on may 26th, I would rule them out based on my first test, what Jesus said. (for Cheese, the NIV would be my first look). I would be suspicious of what they have to gain, if of course I hadn't already ruled them out as drunk etc.
of course the underlying thing is do I trust this person/how well do I know them.
as knalus mentioned, throughout time people have been suspicious when someone says they heard from God