The Conflict Between Good and Evil

You have to explain that, e v e. Every mention of the word "land" in the creation account pertains to the earth that was created in that account. There are no figurative or metaphorical uses of the term in those chapters. Unless you explain how there is some other "land" then the land in which the tree of knowledge of good and evil was planted is in fact upon this earth. There is only one earth in scripture. Until that information is provided the statements are incorrect. More importantly, however, that has nothing to do with the false dichotomy.

The false dichotomy is not about land versus earth. The false dichotomy is the insinuation theology and listening to God are mutually exclusive conditions. They are not. The word "theology" simply means "the word on God," or "the study of God." Done correctly (scripturally), theology is synonymous with listening to God. Al lot of people get this all screwed up because they associate theology with man-made devices and artifices. 

Maybe the way you do it that's what happens but that's not the only way to do theology. 

Which is exactly what you're doing. You're telling others what it is you think the scriptures say. A clear example of this is you appeals to the lanf, the earth, Haggai, and all the many interpretations being asserted in this post. At best what is happening is you doing the very thing you claim to disdain: theology, NOT listening to God.

This is evidenced in the fact that I have thrice asked for more explanation AND asked that more vagaries not be posted only to receive none of the former and more of the latter. 

And we would gladly do so but you haven't posted a single word from God (despite being asked more than once). 


LOOK at your posts. You're doing exactly what you've implied should not be done!


And.... proving what I said in the other thread correct: you don't discuss your views. 


And... in an op specifically on the conflict between good and evil this proves to be a potential object lesson because posting theology while claiming listening to God in deference to theology is hypocritical and hypocrisy is not good. 

Theology or listening to God, theology or listening to God, theology or listening God? How about both done well? Well, according to you it's not a false dichotomy is it a satanic good cop - bad cop choice no matter what we choose because we're in a foreign land. 




So here is some scripture for you to consider. It's inspired by God and written for our benefit through the hand of the apostle Paul, 

Titus 3:9-11

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

This is an example of God's word that can be used diagnostically. According to God, we should avoid controversies, strife, disputes, etc. Paul stipulates a couple of examples (genealogies and the Law) but he's not being exhaustive, and the principle is applicable in many circumstances. We're supposed to practice a "three strikes" rule: "warn" the person once, then twice, and after that have nothing to do with them because we've then learned something about that person. That is God doing the diagnosing, not us. He is the one saying that person is factious, perverted, self-condemned. 

I choose the ESV translation because it's wording is the mildest. Other English translations use much harsher language. I'd prefer not to be harsh because hard words harden hearts. A gentle word turns away wrath and I don't want you in your feelings and feeling divided from me just because I ask a bunch of questions (and expecting answers). Please do not be the person who posts divisive content she won't explain even when asked more than once. 

You've got a half-dozen posts here and haven't said anything of substance. 

And since I know you to be an educated person who teaches others (is that why you disdain theology?) I know you have the ability to form a thought and express it so others can understand. 


That is what I am asking of you. Go back to your first post in the thread and explain it. Use scripture, and use it as written, as plainly read as possible. 






One more note: God uses others. So when people say things like, "I listen only to God," but they refuse to listen to those God has placed in their lives they are contradicting themselves. Sometimes God uses donkeys. Sometimes He uses Platonists, Augustinians, Hellenists, and even Calvinists  . God is not limited to who He uses, and we should not do so, either. I've asked you to speak up BECAUSE you claim to listen to God. 

Can't wait to read it. 

Let's have it. 

Try less theology and more of God .

Because you have said some things that are not actually in the Word of God. God doesn't actually state the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was a bad tree. He declared it was good, and I showed you were that's plainly stated. Hence my inquiries. I shouldn't have to ask thrice. 

Are you unaware that everybody has their theology? You can't get rid of it. 

There is also an implication in your statement, that each being answerable to God themselves, they are therefore not responsible to each other. This is not Biblical. In fact, everything we do influences those around us  —even those sins and good deeds we thought were private. 

That would be a different question to tackle on a case by case basis. 

But it seems you have a direction you wish to head with this question, or you wish to imply something. Are you asking about doctrines of demons and of the Spirit of God, or what? Where are you going with this?