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Was Heaven really created or has, like God, always existed?
Topic Started: Saturday, 7. April 2012, 15:12 (682 Views)
Deacon Robert
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Osb,
it is subtle. The translation from ancient Hebrew starts with "When G_d created heaven and earth- the earth being unformed and void....". which infers that the earth, at least, already existed. As I said it is subtle and in truth does not matter as both traditions declare that God is the creator of all.
The burden of life is from ourselves, its lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Bernard Ullanthorne

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OsullivanB

Thank you for that, Deacon. "Unformed and void" - too subtle for me - but as you suggest, it may not matter much in the scheme of things. Of course, if some matter already existed before what we think of as the creation, it is axiomatic that God must have made it "earlier". Did time begin when he made the raw materials or only when the earth was formed? I don't seek an answer, but philosophers of time might.
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
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PJD

It seems to me that before & after (succession of events) must exist within God from infinity to infinity; but at the same time before & after (as an ever present-present) also exists within God from infinity to infinity. Which is part of the mystery James expounded earlier. Or so I think; but others may have very different ideas.

PJD
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OsullivanB

Hard to tell.
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
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James
James
pentinent
Tuesday, 17. April 2012, 19:57
How does a person if God dislikes him? I have always felt God never liked me and that He set things in my life against me, both
in my personal and professional life. Everything I try seems to go bad.
I believe in mortification but am not sure how to do it. I realize that Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa both did this. Also, many saints throughout the centuries.
How do I atone to God for being a sinner? Sincerely, penitent
Hello penitent.
Strange you should bring this into a topic dealing with perceptions and reality.
Although it is in a very appropriate place and perhapa prompted you to post.
There is no doubt you have a perception that God does not like you and is behind the darkness in your life at present.
I do not think further mortification will be of any benefit as you seem to be suffering enough as it is.

You do not say if you are catholic or not.
Within the church there is the process of reconciliation which involves going privately to a priest.
The priest is under a vow of silence regarding anything you have to say and you may find it very helpful.
There is no records kept of who you are or what you do. There are no fees to pay.
If you are catholic it can be extended into a process where you may be reconcioled with your thoughts regarding God.

In any case, during periods of darkness, you should not be too hard on yourself as maybe you are being harder on yourself than God is.
Give things a little time and make no major decisions when you feel like this.
And above all, and I repeat, try to be forgiving to yourself ( not easy I can assure you )and God will look after the rest in time.
We are all sinners in many different ways so you are not alone.


Some people find the book of Job a comfort
You may or may not

God Bless.


James, .
Edited by James, Wednesday, 18. April 2012, 14:11.
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