Advertisement
A Interview with God: Exploring Methodologies and Approaches to the Divine Encounter
Author: Dr. Eleanor Vance, PhD in Religious Studies, specializing in comparative mythology and mystical experiences. Dr. Vance has published extensively on the topic of religious encounters, including several books on near-death experiences and altered states of consciousness. Her work bridges the gap between academic rigor and the subjective realities of spiritual experiences.
Publisher: Oxford University Press, renowned for its scholarly publications in theology, philosophy, and religious studies.
Editor: Professor David Miller, PhD in Theology, specializing in the philosophy of religion and the history of mystical traditions. Professor Miller has over 20 years of experience editing scholarly journals and books in the field of religious studies.
Keywords: A interview with God, Divine Encounter, Religious Experience, Mystical Experience, Near-Death Experience, Altered States of Consciousness, Theophany, Spiritual Interview, God's Communication
Introduction: The Intriguing Prospect of "A Interview with God"
The idea of "a interview with God" resonates deeply with humanity's innate curiosity about the divine. While a literal interview in the journalistic sense is impossible, exploring methods through which individuals claim to have encountered and interacted with a divine being offers a fascinating area of study. This article delves into various approaches and methodologies used to understand and interpret these purported encounters, analyzing their strengths, limitations, and implications. We will examine how different cultures and religious traditions have conceptualized and documented "a interview with God," moving beyond simple narratives to analyze the underlying psychological, sociological, and spiritual factors.
Methodological Approaches to Understanding "A Interview with God"
The study of "a interview with God" requires a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating elements from:
1. Phenomenology: This approach focuses on the subjective experience of the individual claiming to have had "a interview with God." It seeks to understand the qualities of the experience, such as its emotional intensity, sensory details, and lasting impact on the individual's life. This methodology avoids imposing preconceived notions and emphasizes the lived experience itself.
2. Psychology: Psychological perspectives investigate the cognitive and emotional processes underlying purported divine encounters. Studies on near-death experiences (NDEs), for instance, explore the role of neurobiological factors, altered states of consciousness, and psychological coping mechanisms in shaping the experience. Analyzing the psychology of individuals who believe they've had "a interview with God" helps to understand the human side of these claims.
3. Sociology: A sociological approach examines the social context in which "a interview with God" narratives emerge. This involves analyzing the cultural norms, religious beliefs, and social pressures that influence both the experience and its interpretation. The social function of these narratives – providing meaning, comfort, or social cohesion – also falls under sociological investigation.
4. Comparative Religious Studies: Comparing accounts of "a interview with God" across different religious traditions reveals diverse interpretations of the divine and the nature of communication with the sacred. This comparative approach highlights the cultural relativity of religious experience while also potentially identifying common threads or universal aspects of such encounters.
5. Literary Criticism: Many accounts of divine encounters are presented as narratives or stories. Applying literary criticism allows for a deeper analysis of the structure, style, symbolism, and rhetoric used in these narratives. This approach can reveal hidden meanings and provide insights into the psychological and cultural forces shaping the narrative.
Analyzing Narratives of "A Interview with God": Case Studies and Interpretations
Examining specific cases provides rich insights. The study of mystics throughout history – from St. Teresa of Avila to the Sufi poets – offers numerous examples of individuals who described profound experiences of communion with the divine. Analyzing these narratives using the methodologies mentioned above allows researchers to explore the similarities and differences in their descriptions of "a interview with God," identifying recurring themes and patterns. Furthermore, the analysis of modern accounts, including those involving near-death experiences, provides valuable contemporary perspectives.
However, it's crucial to approach these narratives with critical awareness. The subjective nature of religious experience makes verification difficult. Researchers must carefully distinguish between genuine religious experiences and those stemming from psychological factors, cultural influences, or deliberate fabrication.
The Limitations of Studying "A Interview with God"
Several limitations challenge the study of "a interview with God":
Subjectivity: The inherently subjective nature of religious experience makes it difficult to objectively verify claims.
Verification: There's no scientific method to empirically verify a divine encounter.
Interpretation: The meaning and interpretation of the experience are shaped by the individual's cultural background and personal beliefs.
Bias: Researchers' own beliefs and biases can influence their interpretation of the data.
Conclusion: Towards a More Nuanced Understanding
"A interview with God" remains a complex and multifaceted topic. A rigorous approach necessitates a multidisciplinary framework, combining phenomenology, psychology, sociology, comparative religion, and literary criticism to analyze purported divine encounters. While the possibility of a literal "interview" is debatable, the study of these experiences provides valuable insights into human spirituality, the nature of religious belief, and the diverse ways in which individuals interact with the sacred. Understanding the limitations of this field is paramount, ensuring responsible and nuanced interpretations of claims concerning "a interview with God."
FAQs
1. Can we scientifically prove "a interview with God"? No, the nature of religious experience makes empirical proof impossible. Scientific methods focus on observable phenomena, while religious experiences are fundamentally subjective.
2. What are the ethical considerations of studying "a interview with God"? Respect for individuals' beliefs and experiences is paramount. Researchers must avoid exploiting or trivializing sensitive religious experiences.
3. How does culture influence the interpretation of "a interview with God"? Cultural norms, religious beliefs, and social expectations significantly shape how individuals interpret and express their experiences of the divine.
4. What is the difference between a mystical experience and "a interview with God"? While both involve a profound connection with the divine, "a interview with God" implies a more direct and interactive communication, whereas mystical experiences can be more passive or contemplative.
5. Can "a interview with God" be considered a form of altered state of consciousness? Some researchers suggest a link between altered states of consciousness and religious experiences, but this connection is not universally accepted.
6. What role do psychological factors play in "a interview with God" experiences? Psychological factors, such as stress, trauma, and mental health, can influence the occurrence and interpretation of religious experiences.
7. Are all claims of "a interview with God" genuine? No. Some accounts may be influenced by psychological factors, cultural influences, or deliberate fabrication. Critical analysis is crucial.
8. How can we distinguish between genuine and fabricated accounts of "a interview with God"? This requires a thorough analysis of the individual's background, the context of the experience, and the consistency and plausibility of their narrative.
9. What are the lasting impacts of "a interview with God" on individuals? Individuals often report profound changes in their values, beliefs, and life choices following a purported encounter with God.
Related Articles
1. "Near-Death Experiences and the Perception of God": Explores the connection between NDEs and claims of divine encounters.
2. "Mysticism and the Language of the Divine": Examines how mystics from various traditions describe their experiences of the divine.
3. "The Sociology of Religious Conversion": Analyzes the social factors influencing religious conversions, often prompted by powerful religious experiences.
4. "The Psychology of Religious Belief": Investigates the cognitive and emotional processes underlying religious faith.
5. "Comparative Theology: Approaches to the Divine": Compares different religious traditions' conceptions of God and communication with the divine.
6. "The Phenomenology of Religious Experience": Focuses on the subjective nature of religious experiences, using phenomenological methods.
7. "Interpreting Religious Symbolism": Explores the use of symbols in religious narratives, including those involving "a interview with God".
8. "The History of Mysticism": Provides a historical overview of mystical traditions and their accounts of divine encounters.
9. "The Neuroscience of Religious Experience": Investigates the neurological basis of religious experiences, exploring the role of brain structures and neurochemicals.
| a interview with god: Interview with God Reata Strickland, 2002-02-05 A MESSAGE OF HOPE FOR EVERYONE On May 29, 2001, Reata Strickland posted a version of Interview with God on a local church Web site in Alabama, with no announcements or advertising. Within a week 500,000 people had heard about it and taken a look. Soon, the numbers reached well into the millions, and they have been growing steadily ever since. God's message, which gently points out our failings while reminding us of what really matters in life, has become an astonishing success, reaching out and touching people around the world. Now, in this beautiful full-color edition enhanced by many new photographs and a Foreword by Reata Strickland, Interview with God can be treasured and shared, time and again. |
| a interview with god: An Interview with God F. W. Shannon, 2015-08-02 David lands an interview with a man claiming to be God. In an expansive apartment in Soho, he finds two lawn chairs, a beer cooler and a man dressed in jeans, tee shirt, a ball cap and flip-flops, claiming to be The Creator Of The Universe. The questions he asks are those mankind has been asking for centuries. The answers might just blow your mind and open your heart. This jaunt into the examination of the human condition covers The Holy Trinity, Marriage, Gay Marriage, The Government, Bigfoot, Aliens, The Lock Ness Monster, The Origin Of Man, The Big Bang Theory, War, Love, Hate, Sickness, Loss, Our Individual Purpose For God's Plan ... Even The Meaning Of Life. Kick back and dig in. And don't be surprised if you find yourself changed after reading this book. |
| a interview with god: An Interview with God Stephanie Hill Nchege, 2017-12-07 How many times have you asked God why or What do you want from me, Lord? Maybe you've even asked God, Why am I here, what is the purpose of my life? But have you ever thought about the questions that God asks? Throughout this book, we explore questions that each of us have probably asked God at some point in our lives. I also share some of my own personal life stories that occurred or were given in response to the questions God asked me. This book challenges you to see yourself as having your own personal interview with God, the head boss himself, and to reflect upon what your answers are to God when he calls you for an interview. Many times God sends his angels to let us know that we've just been called for an interview. Whether we feel prepared or not, the book reminds us that God conducts these interviews for our good, and he always wants to promote us or qualify us for the next position. Questions can be powerful tools. They can help us to map out our God-ordained visions. Questions help us to identify the answers that lie inside of our hearts. And I believe that it is those answers that unlock our purpose, the mysteries of our heart, and deepen our relationship and walk with God. Are you ready for your interview with God? He is ready to share heart-to-heart matters. |
| a interview with god: Invitations from God Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, 2011-05-04 God's invitations to rest, follow, remember or repent may seem less compelling than your to-do list. But Adele Calhoun believes invitations like these can heal, restore and shape where we go, what we do and who we become. Here she includes reflection questions, exercises and disciplines to help you attend to the quiet voice of the Great Inviter. |
| a interview with god: Providence John Piper, 2021-02-09 New from Best-Selling Author John Piper From Genesis to Revelation, the providence of God directs the entire course of redemptive history. Providence is God's purposeful sovereignty. Its extent reaches down to the flight of electrons, up to the movements of galaxies, and into the heart of man. Its nature is wise and just and good. And its goal is the Christ-exalting glorification of God through the gladness of a redeemed people in a new world. Drawing on a lifetime of theological reflection, biblical study, and practical ministry, pastor and author John Piper leads us on a stunning tour of the sightings of God's providence—from Genesis to Revelation—to discover the allencompassing reality of God's purposeful sovereignty over all of creation and all of history. Piper invites us to experience the profound effects of knowing the God of all-pervasive providence: the intensifying of true worship, the solidifying of wavering conviction, the strengthening of embattled faith, the toughening of joyful courage, and the advance of God's mission in this world. |
| a interview with god: Return of the God Hypothesis Stephen C. Meyer, 2021-03-30 The New York Times bestselling author of Darwin’s Doubt presents groundbreaking scientific evidence of the existence of God, based on breakthroughs in physics, cosmology, and biology. Beginning in the late 19th century, many intellectuals began to insist that scientific knowledge conflicts with traditional theistic belief—that science and belief in God are “at war.” Philosopher of science Stephen Meyer challenges this view by examining three scientific discoveries with decidedly theistic implications. Building on the case for the intelligent design of life that he developed in Signature in the Cell and Darwin’s Doubt, Meyer demonstrates how discoveries in cosmology and physics coupled with those in biology help to establish the identity of the designing intelligence behind life and the universe. Meyer argues that theism—with its affirmation of a transcendent, intelligent and active creator—best explains the evidence we have concerning biological and cosmological origins. Previously Meyer refrained from attempting to answer questions about “who” might have designed life. Now he provides an evidence-based answer to perhaps the ultimate mystery of the universe. In so doing, he reveals a stunning conclusion: the data support not just the existence of an intelligent designer of some kind—but the existence of a personal God. |
| a interview with god: Bearing God's Name Carmen Joy Imes, 2019-12-10 What does the Old Testament—especially the law—have to do with your Christian life? In this warm, accessible volume, Carmen Joy Imes takes readers back to Sinai, arguing that we've misunderstood the command about taking the Lord's name in vain. Instead, Imes says that this command is really about bearing God's name, a theme that continues throughout the rest of Scripture. |
| a interview with god: Finding God's Life for My Will Mike Donehey, 2019-08-06 ECPA BESTSELLER • The lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist for award-winning contemporary Christian band Tenth Avenue North shows readers that by seeking God first and focusing on serving Him, we can live daily in His will. Perhaps God isn't giving me the plan because He wants to be the plan. This was the aha moment for Mike Donehey after years of wrestling with his obsession to know God's specific plans for his life. He came to the realization that waiting for absolute certainty from God before making decisions may seem uberspiritual, but it can lead to a life of intense stress, paralyzing fear, and crushing regret--just the opposite of the freedom granted to those living a Christ-filled life. This is my story...how I gave up begging to know God's will and began to ask His life to come and change my will. With his signature humor and relentless hunger for God, Mike will show you that discovering the Father's purpose and plan for our lives is not the shell game that we all too often make it out to be. If you're unsure what to do next, take heart and accept the ultimate invitation: learn to see God as the plan, not simply the formula to the plan. |
| a interview with god: Lies We Believe About God Wm. Paul Young, 2017-03-07 From the author of the bestselling novel The Shack and the New York Times bestsellers Cross Roads and Eve comes a compelling, conversational exploration of twenty-eight assumptions about God—assumptions that just might be keeping us from experiencing His unconditional, all-encompassing love. In his wildly popular novels, Wm. Paul Young portrayed the Triune God in ways that challenged our thinking—sometimes upending long-held beliefs, but always centered in the eternal, all-encompassing nature of God’s love. Now, in Wm. Paul Young’s first nonfiction book, he invites us to revisit our assumptions about God—this time using the Bible, theological discussion, and personal anecdotes. Paul encourages us to think through beliefs we’ve presumed to be true and consider whether some might actually be false. Expounding on the compassion fans felt from the “Papa” portrayed in The Shack—now a major film starring Sam Worthington and Octavia Spencer—Paul encourages you to think anew about important issues including sin, religion, hell, politics, identity, creation, human rights, and helping us discover God’s deep and abiding love. |
| a interview with god: Conversations with God for Teens Neale Donald Walsch, 2012-10-01 Suppose you could ask God any question and get an answer. What would it be? Young people all over the world have been asking those questions. So Neale Donald Walsch, author of the internationally bestselling Conversations with God series had another conversation. Conversations with God for Teens is a simple, clear, straight-to-the-point dialogue that answers teens questions about God, money, sex, love, and more. Conversations with God for Teens reads like a rap session at a church youth group, where teenagers discuss everything they ever wanted to know about life but were too afraid to ask God. Walsch acts as the verbal conduit, showing teenagers how easy it is to converse with the divine. When Claudia, age 16, from Perth, Australia, asks, Why can't I just have sex with everybody? What's the big deal?, the answer God offers her is: Nothing you do will ever be okay with everybody. 'Everybody' is a large word. The real question is can you have sex and have it be okay with you? There's no doubt that the casual question-and-answer format will help make God feel welcoming and accessible to teens. Conversations with God for Teens is the perfect gift purchase for parents, grandparents, and anyone else who wants to provide accessible spiritual content for the teen(s) in their lives. |
| a interview with god: a Heaven is for Real Deluxe Edition Todd Burpo, 2011-10-31 #1 New York Times bestseller with more than 11 million copies sold! When 4-year-old Colton Burpo emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven, his family doesn’t know what to believe. Heaven is For Real details what Colton saw and his family’s journey towards accepting their young son had visited the afterlife. “Do you remember the hospital, Colton?” Sonja said. “Yes, mommy, I remember,” he said. “That’s where the angels sang to me.” Colton told his parents he left his body during an emergency surgery–and proved that claim by describing exactly what his parents were doing in another part of the hospital during his operation. He talked of visiting heaven and described events that happened before he was born and how he spoke with family members he’d never met. Colton also astonished his parents with descriptions and obscure details about heaven that matched the Bible exactly, even though he had not yet learned to read. With disarming innocence and the plainspoken boldness of a child, Colton recounts his visit to heaven, describing: Meeting long-departed family members Jesus, the angels, how “really, really big” God is, and how much God loves us How Jesus called Todd, Colton’s father, to be a pastor The Battle of Armageddon Retold by his father, but using Colton’s uniquely simple words, Heaven Is for Real offers a glimpse of the world that awaits us, where as Colton says, “Nobody is old and nobody wears glasses.” Heaven Is for Real will forever change the way you think of eternity, offering the chance to see, and believe, like a child. Praise for Heaven is for Real: “A beautifully written glimpse into heaven that will encourage those who doubt and thrill those who believe.” —Ron Hall, coauthor of Same Kind of Different as Me |
| a interview with god: An Interview with God Robert Noland, 2018-07-02 AN INTERVIEW WITH GOD: Official Movie Novelization Paul Asher, an up-and-coming journalist, returns home from covering the war in Afghanistan to find his life falling apart. His marriage is near collapse, and he's in the grips of a personal crisis he struggles to understand. And more pressing, a soldier he befriended on the front lines is waging his own battle after discharge and Paul is desperately trying to rescue him. But the young reporter's life takes a strange turn when he is offered an opportunity too intriguing to resist-an interview with someone claiming to be God. Based on the acclaimed film An Interview with God, starring David Strathairn (The Bourne Legacy) and Brenton Thwaites (Pirates of the Caribbean), the story connects our conflicts of faith to the miracles that can occur when we are confronted with a living hope. |
| a interview with god: Something other than God Jennifer Fulwiler, 2014-04-29 Jennifer Fulwiler told herself she was happy. Why wouldn't she be? She made good money as a programmer at a hot tech start-up, had just married a guy with a stack of Ivy League degrees, and lived in a twenty-first-floor condo where she could sip sauvignon blanc while watching the sun set behind the hills of Austin. Raised in a happy, atheist home, Jennifer had the freedom to think for herself and play by her own rules. Yet a creeping darkness followed her all of her life. Finally, one winter night, it drove her to the edge of her balcony, making her ask once and for all why anything mattered. At that moment everything she knew and believed was shattered. Asking the unflinching questions about life and death, good and evil, led Jennifer to Christianity, the religion she had reviled since she was an awkward, sceptical child growing up in the Bible Belt. Mortified by this turn of events, she hid her quest from everyone except her husband, concealing religious books in opaque bags as if they were porn and locking herself in public bathroom stalls to read the Bible. Just when Jennifer had a profound epiphany that gave her the courage to convert, she was diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition-and the only treatment was directly at odds with the doctrines of her new-found faith. Something other than God is a poignant, profound and often funny tale of one woman who set out to find the meaning of life and discovered that true happiness sometimes requires losing it all. |
| a interview with god: How the West Really Lost God Mary Eberstadt, 2013-04-01 In this magisterial work, leading cultural critic Mary Eberstadt delivers a powerful new theory about the decline of religion in the Western world. The conventional wisdom is that the West first experienced religious decline, followed by the decline of the family. Eberstadt turns this standard account on its head. Marshalling an impressive array of research, from fascinating historical data on family decline in pre-Revolutionary France to contemporary popular culture both in the United States and Europe, Eberstadt shows that the reverse has also been true: the undermining of the family has further undermined Christianity itself. Drawing on sociology, history, demography, theology, literature, and many other sources, Eberstadt shows that family decline and religious decline have gone hand in hand in the Western world in a way that has not been understood before—that they are, as she puts it in a striking new image summarizing the book’s thesis, “the double helix of society, each dependent on the strength of the other for successful reproduction.” In sobering final chapters, Eberstadt then lays out the enormous ramifications of the mutual demise of family and faith in the West. While it is fashionable in some circles to applaud the decline both of religion and the nuclear family, there are, as Eberstadt reveals, enormous social, economic, civic, and other costs attendant on both declines. Her conclusion considers this tantalizing question: whether the economic and demographic crisis now roiling Europe and spreading to America will have the inadvertent result of reviving the family as the most viable alternative to the failed welfare state—fallout that could also lay the groundwork for a religious revival as well. How the West Really Lost God is both a startlingly original account of how secularization happens and a sweeping brief about why everyone should care. A book written for agnostics as well as believers, atheists as well as “none of the above,” it will permanently change the way every reader understands the two institutions that have hitherto undergirded Western civilization as we know it—family and faith—and the real nature of the relationship between those two pillars of history. |
| a interview with god: Wired for God Dani Antman, 2017-08-07 When the Judaism of her childhood doesn’t satisfy Dani Antman’s yearning for spiritual awakening, she embarks on a quest for a spiritual path. Dani finds herself immersed in the world of yoga, energy healing, and Kabbalah but her journey of inner transformation has only just begun. A healing crisis, misplaced trust and a failed marriage, intensify her desire for a teacher who can lead her to self-realization. Her prayers are answered in the form of a realized adept, a Swami from the faraway shores of Rishikesh, India, who initiates her in his lineage of Kundalini Science, the study of the Divine force within every human being that is the initiator of spiritual growth. And so begins an incredible inner journey as Dani dedicates herself to a spiritual practice aimed at the redirection and completion of a challenging Kundalini process related to her Jewish past. Paradoxically, with the completion of her process she experiences a triumphant return to the religion of her birth. Wired for God is the candid and compelling memoir of Dani Antman’s spiritual journey from mystical Judaism through Kundalini Science and back again, told in a conversational and informal style. Her story gives inspiration and hope to all sincere seekers looking to make real spiritual progress and find their own unique spiritual path. |
| a interview with god: The God Factor Cathleen Falsani, 2006-03-07 When religion reporter Cathleen Falsani climbed aboard Bono's tour bus, it was to interview the rock start about AIDS awareness. Instead, they plunged into a lively discussion about faith. This is a defining moment for us, Bono said. For the culture we live in. Spirituality clearly now plays a key role in the United States. But what is also clear is that faith is a more complex issue than snapshots of the country convey. Jesus. Buddha. Kabbalah. Angels. This may be a nation of believers but not of one belief—of many. To shape a candid picture of modern faith, Falsani sat down with an array of people who shape our culture, and in turn, our collective consciousness. She's talked about Jesus with Anne Rice; explored Playboy theology with Hugh Hefner; discussed evil with crusading attorney Barry Scheck, and heaven with Senator Barack Obama. Laura Esquivel, basketball star Hakeem Olajuwon, Studs Terkel, guru Iyanla Vanzant, rockers Melissa Etheridge and Annie Lennox, economist Jeffrey Sachs, Pulitzer-winning playwright John Patrick Shanley—all opened up to her. The resulting interviews, more than twenty-five in all, offer a fresh, occasionally controversial, and always illuminating look at the beliefs that shape our lives. THE GOD FACTOR is a book for the believers, the seekers, as well as the merely curious among us. Included are interviews with Sherman Alexie, Bono, Dusty Baker, Sandra Bernhard, Sandra Cisneros, Billy Corgan, Kurt Elling, Laura Esquivel, Melissa Etheridge, Jonathan Safran Foer, Mike Gerson, Seamus Heaney, Hugh Hefner, Dr. Henry Lee, Annie Lennox, David Lynch, John Mahoney, Mark Morris, Mancow Muller, Senator Barack Obama, Hakeem Olajuwon, Harold Ramis, Anne Rice, Tom Robbins, Russell Simmons, Jeffrey Sachs , Barry Scheck, John Patrick Shanley , The Reverend Al Sharpton, Studs Terkel, Iyanla Vanzant, and Elie Wiesel. |
| a interview with god: Suffering and the Sovereignty of God John Piper, Justin Taylor, 2006-09-13 In the last few years, 9/11, a tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and many other tragedies have shown us that the vision of God in today's churches in relation to evil and suffering is often frivolous. Against the overwhelming weight and seriousness of the Bible, many Christians are choosing to become more shallow, more entertainment-oriented, and therefore irrelevant in the face of massive suffering. In Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, contributors John Piper, Joni Eareckson Tada, Steve Saint, Carl Ellis, David Powlison, Dustin Shramek, and Mark Talbot explore the many categories of God's sovereignty as evidenced in his Word. They urge readers to look to Christ, even in suffering, to find the greatest confidence, deepest comfort, and sweetest fellowship they have ever known. |
| a interview with god: The Good Book A. C. Grayling, 2011-04-05 Few, if any, thinkers and writers today would have the imagination, the breadth of knowledge, the literary skill, and-yes-the audacity to conceive of a powerful, secular alternative to the Bible. But that is exactly what A.C. Grayling has done by creating a non-religious Bible, drawn from the wealth of secular literature and philosophy in both Western and Eastern traditions, using the same techniques of editing, redaction, and adaptation that produced the holy books of the Judaeo-Christian and Islamic religions. The Good Book consciously takes its design and presentation from the Bible, in its beauty of language and arrangement into short chapters and verses for ease of reading and quotability, offering to the non-religious seeker all the wisdom, insight, solace, inspiration, and perspective of secular humanist traditions that are older, far richer and more various than Christianity. Organized in 12 main sections----Genesis, Histories, Widsom, The Sages, Parables, Consolations, Lamentations, Proverbs, Songs, Epistles, Acts, and the Good----The Good Book opens with meditations on the origin and progress of the world and human life in it, then devotes attention to the question of how life should be lived, how we relate to one another, and how vicissitudes are to be faced and joys appreciated. Incorporating the writing of Herodotus and Lucretius, Confucius and Mencius, Seneca and Cicero, Montaigne, Bacon, and so many others, The Good Book will fulfill its audacious purpose in every way. |
| a interview with god: On the Christian Life Jean Calvin, 2000* |
| a interview with god: Saints at Heart Bert Ghezzi, 2019-10-22 Saints at Heart presents an engaging picture of the spiritual life as shown in the experience and writings of the saints. The title announces the book’s double theme: the lives of holy men and women who have consecrated their lives to God, and to the possibility of our following them and also dedicating our hearts to God. Readers will discover in this book well-told and appealing stories of women and men, ordinary human beings like themselves, who knew God and whose lives as a consequence radiated light, love, and joy. Each story presents the core message of a saint’s life and highlights an important spiritual path that readers will be encouraged to follow. |
| a interview with god: An Interview with God Woodrow Kroll, 2004-04-01 Answers! I want answers! Most people have burning questions about God and the way He operates in this world. The problem is finding Biblical answers. Better yet, it is a book that not only satisfies your questions, but provides a framework for discovery on your own. Woodrow Kroll has taken on this task, and gives us a unique approach: answering in God's voice, just as if you were posing questions to Him in your living room. The unconventional, pulls-no-punches style will appeal to an audience weary of pat answers and hungry for the truth. |
| a interview with god: An Interview with God Woodrow Kroll, 2004-04-01 Answers! I want answers! Most people have burning questions about God and the way He operates in this world. The problem is finding Biblical answers. Better yet, it is a book that not only satisfies your questions, but provides a framework for discovery on your own. Woodrow Kroll has taken on this task, and gives us a unique approach: answering in God's voice, just as if you were posing questions to Him in your living room. The unconventional, pulls-no-punches style will appeal to an audience weary of pat answers and hungry for the truth. |
| a interview with god: One Nation Under God Kevin M. Kruse, 2015-04-14 The provocative and authoritative history of the origins of Christian America in the New Deal era We're often told that the United States is, was, and always has been a Christian nation. But in One Nation Under God, historian Kevin M. Kruse reveals that the belief that America is fundamentally and formally Christian originated in the 1930s. To fight the slavery of FDR's New Deal, businessmen enlisted religious activists in a campaign for freedom under God that culminated in the election of their ally Dwight Eisenhower in 1952. The new president revolutionized the role of religion in American politics. He inaugurated new traditions like the National Prayer Breakfast, as Congress added the phrase under God to the Pledge of Allegiance and made In God We Trust the country's first official motto. Church membership soon soared to an all-time high of 69 percent. Americans across the religious and political spectrum agreed that their country was one nation under God. Provocative and authoritative, One Nation Under God reveals how an unholy alliance of money, religion, and politics created a false origin story that continues to define and divide American politics to this day. |
| a interview with god: The Insanity of Obedience Nik Ripken, 2014-01-01 Wise Sheep Among the Wolves All Christian disciples have one thing in common: as they carry the gospel across the ocean and across the street, persecution will become the norm for those who choose to follow Jesus. How believers respond in the face of persecution reveals everything about their level of faith and obedience. The Insanity of Obedience is a bold challenge to global discipleship. Nik Ripken exposes the danger of safe Christianity and calls readers to something greater. The Insanity of Obedience challenges Christians in the same, provocative way that Jesus did. This book dares you—and prepares you—to cross the street and the oceans with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Some of Jesus’ instructions sound uncomfortable and are potentially dangerous. We may be initially encouraged by His declaration, “I am sending you out.” But how are we to respond when He then tells us that He is sending us out “like sheep among wolves? In light of the words of Jesus, how can modern day believers rest comfortably in the status quo? How can we embrace casual faith in light of the radical commands of Jesus which are anything but casual? Ripken brings decades of ministry experience in some of the most persecuted areas of the world to bear on our understanding of faith in Jesus. The Insanity of Obedience is a call to roll up your sleeves . . . and to follow and partner with Jesus in the toughest places on this planet. We have the high privilege of answering Jesus’ call to go, Ripken says. But let us be clear about this: we go on His terms, not ours. If we go at all, we go as sheep among wolves. Jesus gives us Himself. And He gives us the tools necessary for those who dare to journey with Him. |
| a interview with god: Is God a Moral Monster? Paul Copan, 2011-01-01 A recent string of popular-level books written by the New Atheists have leveled the accusation that the God of the Old Testament is nothing but a bully, a murderer, and a cosmic child abuser. This viewpoint is even making inroads into the church. How are Christians to respond to such accusations? And how are we to reconcile the seemingly disconnected natures of God portrayed in the two testaments? In this timely and readable book, apologist Paul Copan takes on some of the most vexing accusations of our time, including: God is arrogant and jealous God punishes people too harshly God is guilty of ethnic cleansing God oppresses women God endorses slavery Christianity causes violence and more Copan not only answers God's critics, he also shows how to read both the Old and New Testaments faithfully, seeing an unchanging, righteous, and loving God in both. |
| a interview with god: The Supremacy of God in Preaching John Piper, 2015-01-27 According to Warren Wiersbe, The Supremacy of God in Preaching calls us back to a biblical standard for preaching, a standard exemplified by many of the pulpit giants of the past, especially Jonathan Edwards and Charles Spurgeon. This newly revised and expanded edition is an essential guide for preachers who want to stir the embers of revival. Piper has added valuable new material reflecting on his thirty-three years of preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church, offering a glimpse of what a lifetime of putting God first has done for the faith of the hundreds of thousands who have heard him preach over the years. |
| a interview with god: God's Wife Amanda Michalopoulou, 2019 A beautiful and haunting portrait of a marriage that scrambled my thoughts on faith, power, love and sacrifice. This text embodies the act of questioning in a way that is at once startling and affirming. A gorgeous, important book. - Jac Jemc, author of The Grip of It and False Bingo God's Wife is a novel of marvels --and marvelous in how splendidly AM has conjured and told this story of the longing of a young girl for God. For great love. Her voice is charming and engaging, even though God doesn't always answer her questions. God's Wife is an allegorical work that speaks to these troubling times with an unusual voice, with wit and intelligence -- |
| a interview with god: Concise Theology J. I. Packer, 2011-07-14 Theology matters! At last it can be understood easily, thanks to this “layman's language” approach to biblical belief. Authored by J. I. Packer, one of the premier theologians of Christianity, this summary of Christian teaching covers nearly 100 major Christian beliefs from a Reformed perspective. Brief, easy-to-understand chapters offer precise descriptions without sacrificing depth. Thoughtfully arranged and refreshingly readable, this is a book that belongs on the shelf of every Christian. |
| a interview with god: Transhumanism and the Image of God Jacob Shatzer, 2019-04-09 Examining the transhumanist movement, biblical ethicist Jacob Shatzer grapples with the potential for technology to transform the way we think about what it means to be human. Exploring the doctrine of incarnation and topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, medical technology, and communications tools, he guides us into careful consideration of the future of Christian discipleship in a disruptive technological environment. |
| a interview with god: The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse David Johnson, Jeff VanVonderen, 2005-10-01 In a breakthrough book first published in 1991, the authors address the dynamics in churches that can ensnare people in legalism, guilt, and begrudging service, keeping them from the grace and joy of God's kingdom.Written for both those who feel abused and those who may be causing it, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse shows how people get hooked into abusive systems, the impact of controlling leadership on a congregation, and how the abused believer can find rest and recovery. |
| a interview with god: The Power of Favor Joel Osteen, 2019-12-17 Learn how declaring God's love will bless you with favor and fulfillment in this uplifting book -- perfect for anyone who is determined to find success and spiritual inspiration. God helps you accomplish what you couldn't manage on your own. With His blessings, you stand out in the crowd and get breaks that you didn't deserve. The psalmist said, God's favor surrounds us like a shield. That means that everywhere you go, you have an advantage, a divine empowerment, and a key to open up the right doors. With Joel's encouragement, you'll see how God's goodness uplifts you every day. He wants you to reach new levels of fulfillment, new levels of increase, new levels of promotion, new levels of victory. You have been called out, set apart, and chosen to live a distinctively favored life. When you realize you have been marked for blessings, you will feel the force of His favor and overcome challenges that you can't face on your own. |
| a interview with god: The Language of God Francis Collins, 2008-09-04 Dr Francis S. Collins, head of the Human Genome Project, is one of the world's leading scientists, working at the cutting edge of the study of DNA, the code of life. Yet he is also a man of unshakable faith in God. How does he reconcile the seemingly unreconcilable? In THE LANGUAGE OF GOD he explains his own journey from atheism to faith, and then takes the reader on a stunning tour of modern science to show that physics, chemistry and biology -- indeed, reason itself -- are not incompatible with belief. His book is essential reading for anyone who wonders about the deepest questions of all: why are we here? How did we get here? And what does life mean? |
| a interview with god: The Love of God John C. Peckham, 2015-07-28 Theology has constantly wrestled with the nature of God's love and what it means for how God relates to the world. In this comprehensive canonical theology of divine love, John C. Peckham argues for an account that avoids the errors of both voluntarist and experientialist theologies and faithfully represents the full biblical witness. |
| a interview with god: Even If Mitchel Lee, 2021-08-17 How do you worship God even if life isn’t going the way you had hoped? “Even If is not some bumper sticker to display, but a daring commitment to live.”—Kyle Idleman, senior pastor of Southeast Christian Church “I believe we will see more resilient people in the face of suffering because of this great book.”—Bryan Loritts, teaching pastor at The Summit Church What happens when the test comes back positive? The relationship ends? The dream goes unfulfilled? The plans don’t move forward? Amid confusion, hurt, and anger, we wonder where we went wrong. What is God doing? In Even If, Mitchel Lee reminds us that while God does not promise a pain-free life, he offers something better: his presence in the pain. No matter our circumstances, God is worthy of our worship, and he can meet us even in our greatest difficulties. Drawing on his own journey, Mitchel explores the compelling story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. These three men chose to worship God even if God didn’t rescue them from the fire. From their example and countless others, we can do the same. Maybe you are stuck in regret, grieving a loss, or unsure of how to take your next step because there is no promise of success. Even If offers the courage you need to move forward, declaring devotion—not in spite of life’s fires but because of them—to a God whose goodness never changes. |
| a interview with god: Where the Light Fell Philip Yancey, 2023-03-14 In this searing meditation on the bonds of family and the allure of extremist faith, one of today’s most celebrated Christian writers recounts his unexpected journey from a strict fundamentalist upbringing to a life of compassion and grace—a revelatory memoir that “invites comparison to Hillbilly Elegy” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). “Searing, heartrending . . . This stunning tale reminds us that the only way to keep living is to ask God for the impossible: love, forgiveness, and hope.”—Kate Bowler, New York Times bestselling author of Everything Happens for a Reason Raised by an impoverished widow who earned room and board as a Bible teacher in 1950s Atlanta, Philip Yancey and his brother, Marshall, found ways to venture out beyond the confines of their eight-foot-wide trailer. But when Yancey was in college, he uncovered a shocking secret about his father’s death—a secret that began to illuminate the motivations that drove his mother to extreme, often hostile religious convictions and a belief that her sons had been ordained for a divine cause. Searching for answers, Yancey dives into his family origins, taking us on an evocative journey from the backwoods of the Bible Belt to the bustling streets of Philadelphia; from trailer parks to church sanctuaries; from family oddballs to fire-and-brimstone preachers and childhood awakenings through nature, music, and literature. In time, the weight of religious and family pressure sent both sons on opposite paths—one toward healing from the impact of what he calls a “toxic faith,” the other into a self-destructive spiral. Where the Light Fell is a gripping family narrative set against a turbulent time in post–World War II America, shaped by the collision of Southern fundamentalism with the mounting pressures of the civil rights movement and Sixties-era forces of social change. In piecing together his fragmented personal history and his search for redemption, Yancey gives testament to the enduring power of our hunger for truth and the possibility of faith rooted in grace instead of fear. “I truly believe this is the one book I was put on earth to write,” says Yancey. “So many of the strands from my childhood—racial hostility, political division, culture wars—have resurfaced in modern form. Looking back points me forward.” |
| a interview with god: Turn Your Season Around Darryl Strawberry, 2021-01-12 For anyone ready to move their life forward, from tragedy, personal failure, unfair circumstances, or just a sense of being stuck, baseball legend and bestselling author Darryl Strawberry offers transformational practices and the tangible hope that you can enjoy a future filled with power, purpose, and freedom. Darryl Strawberry has seen it all--the highs and lows of an intense career as a Major League Baseball all-star, drug addiction, marriage challenges, prison time, and battles with cancer. With honesty and transparency, Strawberry shares the same foundational principles that transformed his life from the inside out--the power of prayer, cultivating healthy friendships, weathering trials without losing heart, refreshing the way you think, and letting God change your life for good. Ultimately, he'll help you discover and trust the redemptive process of making small, daily decisions to follow God into a life of faith, health, and freedom. Strawberry weaves compelling stories from his own life with those of others he met through his speaking and ministry work across the nation. These uplifting testimonies will inspire you with the reminder that God's power can renew any life, no matter what has happened. With scriptural insights and real-life examples, Strawberry celebrates the miracles God works in us for healing, cleansing, and new beginnings. Strawberry's life story is proof that you can overcome life's adversities one decision, one step at a time. It's time to turn your season around. |
| a interview with god: Unbelievable? Justin Brierley, 2017-06-15 Conversations matter. Yet, recently, good conversations about faith have been increasingly squeezed out of the public sphere. Seeking to reopen the debate, Justin Brierley began to invite atheists and sceptics on to Premier Christian Radio to air arguments for and against the Christian faith. But how has ten years of discussion with atheists affected the presenter’s faith? Reflecting on conversations with Richard Dawkins, Derren Brown and many more, Justin explains why he still finds Christianity the most compelling explanation for life, the universe and everything. And why, regardless of belief or background, we should all welcome the conversation. ‘Beautifully written, brilliantly argued, Justin’s book will thrill Christians and challenge atheists.’ R. T. Kendall, author and pastor ‘Justin has that happy knack of being able to get people of diametrically opposed opinions debating the big issues.’ John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics, University of Oxford |
| a interview with god: I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die Sarah J. Robinson, 2021-05-11 A compassionate, shame-free guide for your darkest days “A one-of-a-kind book . . . to read for yourself or give to a struggling friend or loved one without the fear that depression and suicidal thoughts will be minimized, medicalized or over-spiritualized.”—Kay Warren, cofounder of Saddleback Church What happens when loving Jesus doesn’t cure you of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts? You might be crushed by shame over your mental illness, only to be told by well-meaning Christians to “choose joy” and “pray more.” So you beg God to take away the pain, but nothing eases the ache inside. As darkness lingers and color drains from your world, you’re left wondering if God has abandoned you. You just want a way out. But there’s hope. In I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die, Sarah J. Robinson offers a healthy, practical, and shame-free guide for Christians struggling with mental illness. With unflinching honesty, Sarah shares her story of battling depression and fighting to stay alive despite toxic theology that made her afraid to seek help outside the church. Pairing her own story with scriptural insights, mental health research, and simple practices, Sarah helps you reconnect with the God who is present in our deepest anguish and discover that you are worth everything it takes to get better. Beautifully written and full of hard-won wisdom, I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die offers a path toward a rich, hope-filled life in Christ, even when healing doesn’t look like what you expect. |
| a interview with god: God in the Lab Ruth Bancewicz, 2014-12-15 An exploration of how Ruth's science, and that of scientists in different disciplines, has enhanced their faith. |
| a interview with god: Clean Mind, Clean Body Tara Stiles, 2020-12-29 An easy reset for feeling and living better. — DEEPAK CHOPRA Tara makes purposeful self-care easy and enjoyable! — DAPHNE OZ A life-changing detox for body and mind that will transform your daily routine and your habits, from wellness expert and Strala Yoga founder Tara Stiles. Most of us are constantly plugged in and stressed out—tethered to our phones and e-mail, overworked and inactive at our desk jobs, and out of touch with what our bodies and our brains really need. Clean Mind, Clean Body is the ultimate reset button, an immersive experience in mental and physical self-care that will transform your daily routine and your habits. In Clean Mind, Clean Body, Tara leads readers on a 4-week detox for body, mind, and spirit that can be done easily at home, and that covers: WEEK 1 - MENTAL CLEANSE – Eliminate toxic relationships, create a home sanctuary, and unplug from devices. WEEK 2 – SPIRITUAL CLEANSE – Establish a meditation practice, slow down, and live with intention. WEEK 3 – CHANGE THE WAY YOU EAT – Embrace an East Meets West diet, eat clean, and love your body. WEEK 4 – CHANGE THE WAY YOU MOVE – Redefine exercise, get outside, and embrace the power of rest. Packed with ancient healing practices adapted for modern living and clean living rules for life, Clean Mind, Clean Body is your personal blueprint for physical and spiritual realignment. |
65 Most Common Interview Questions and Answers | The Muse
Dec 23, 2024 · We've compiled a list of 60+ common interview questions you might be asked. Plus, advice on how to answer each and every one of them.
Top 20 Interview Questions (With Sample Answers) - Indeed
Jan 28, 2025 · To help you prepare for your next interview, learn about the top 20 interview questions hiring managers ask, along with advice on how to answer many of them.
10 Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Nov 11, 2021 · Interviews can be high stress, anxiety-driving situations, especially if it’s your first interview. A little practice and preparation always pays off. While we can’t know exactly what an...
Top 40 Essential Interview Questions and Answers - Career …
Jan 27, 2024 · After working for years as a recruiter, I’m going to share the top 40 job interview questions and answer examples, plus do’s and don’ts to get you ready to ace your interview.
Job Interview Prep Guide: How to Prepare for an Interview | Glassdoor
Nov 8, 2017 · This guide will cover how to use Glassdoor to prepare for and ace your interview, common interview questions, how to practice your interview anecdotes, interview advice from …
How to Prepare for an Interview: Your Full Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to prepare for a job interview with our step-by-step guide. Get tips from our career experts to dress the part, ask the right questions, exude confidence, and land that job.
How to Prepare for an Interview (Step-By-Step Guide)
Here is our comprehensive step-by-step guide to preparing for your job interview! It includes a clear roadmap to getting prepared as well as common mistakes to avoid...
The STAR Interview Method: How to Answer + Examples
6 days ago · The STAR Interview Method: How to Answer + Examples was originally published on Big Interview STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result, and this method will help …
Common Interview Questions & Answers: A Cheat Sheet
Apr 9, 2019 · Are you preparing for an upcoming job interview? Use this interview cheat sheet to start practicing your answers to common interview questions.
15 Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers
Following a recent study that reported on entry-level job interviews in ninety seven different corporations in the United States, we put together a list of fifteen most common interview …
65 Most Common Interview Questions and Answers | The Muse
Dec 23, 2024 · We've compiled a list of 60+ common interview questions you might be asked. Plus, advice on how to answer each and every one of them.
Top 20 Interview Questions (With Sample Answers) - Indeed
Jan 28, 2025 · To help you prepare for your next interview, learn about the top 20 interview questions hiring managers ask, along with advice on how to answer many of them.
10 Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Nov 11, 2021 · Interviews can be high stress, anxiety-driving situations, especially if it’s your first interview. A little practice and preparation always pays off. While we can’t know exactly what an...
Top 40 Essential Interview Questions and Answers - Career …
Jan 27, 2024 · After working for years as a recruiter, I’m going to share the top 40 job interview questions and answer examples, plus do’s and don’ts to get you ready to ace your interview.
Job Interview Prep Guide: How to Prepare for an Interview | Glassdoor
Nov 8, 2017 · This guide will cover how to use Glassdoor to prepare for and ace your interview, common interview questions, how to practice your interview anecdotes, interview advice from …
How to Prepare for an Interview: Your Full Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to prepare for a job interview with our step-by-step guide. Get tips from our career experts to dress the part, ask the right questions, exude confidence, and land that job.
How to Prepare for an Interview (Step-By-Step Guide)
Here is our comprehensive step-by-step guide to preparing for your job interview! It includes a clear roadmap to getting prepared as well as common mistakes to avoid...
The STAR Interview Method: How to Answer + Examples
6 days ago · The STAR Interview Method: How to Answer + Examples was originally published on Big Interview STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result, and this method will help …
Common Interview Questions & Answers: A Cheat Sheet
Apr 9, 2019 · Are you preparing for an upcoming job interview? Use this interview cheat sheet to start practicing your answers to common interview questions.
15 Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers
Following a recent study that reported on entry-level job interviews in ninety seven different corporations in the United States, we put together a list of fifteen most common interview …
