Is there any test...?

[Willum]

So is there any test that can be made to distinguish God from an imaginary friend of the same name?

An imaginary friend with a popular name, of course.

Any way at all?

The debate topic is: There is none.

[Willum]

[Replying to post 50 by marco]

Ah, well, if you look at history, Jesus would hardly be alone as a Roman plant, but more of a continuation of Roman policy of usurping local religions with their own, coupled with the idea that God/gods said they should rule.
We see many examples of this, including its own domestic policy...

Regardless - there does not seem to be any way to discriminate between God and and imaginary friend of the same name...

As publicly prayer seems to have metered only psychological value, while for individuals the claim is that prayers are answered.

This is consistent with not being able to distinguish...

[1213]

[Replying to post 42 by 1213]

Well, what person in their right mind would wish to do the will of the Old Testament God?
Look at his actions, they are deplorable.

But who in this world hasn't, and doesn't desire to follow a higher noble calling?

Anyway, your question does not forward the topic.

I disagree with you, this is to see, what have you even done to test.

I gave you test and you said it proves “without a doubt, Jesus had an imaginary friend�. And now you said that person in right mind would not do the test “do the will of God�. I assume you mean, you have not done God’s will and don’t want to do that, and it means your claim “without a doubt, Jesus had an imaginary friend� was baseless, possible even a lie and you have not done the test I gave?

Now, I just wonder, why you think loving others as yourself, which is the will of God, is not in your opinion good thing to do?

[Willum]

[Replying to post 52 by 1213]

You seem to be rambling, could you explain what you are trying to say? At least I don't understand. You were unable to show Jesus wasn't talking to an imaginary friend and... ?

[William]

[Replying to post 53 by Willum]

You were unable to show Jesus wasn't talking to an imaginary friend...

I do not think using Jesus as an example is pertinent as the story goes, there were many people who witnessed at his baptism 'a voice from heaven' - the owner of the voice was apparently invisible....

[Willum]

[Replying to post 54 by William]

Is that what he was saying? That a Bible story was proof? Ah.
The problem with that is that the story cannot be used as a demonstration or test today.

[marco]

Could this be suitable test:

Jesus therefore answered them, "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone desires to do his will, he will know about the teaching, whether it is from God, or if I am speaking from myself.
John 7:16-17

In what possible way is this a test? Millions of people of various beliefs THINK they do God's will. How does one KNOW they are not just play acting? Do you look at the result and then give credit?

What is the test for knowing a person communicates with God? Is it perhaps the words Allahu Akbar? or is it Deo gratias? or just a cured headache?

[1213]

You seem to be rambling, could you explain what you are trying to say? At least I don't understand. You were unable to show Jesus wasn't talking to an imaginary friend and... ?

You don’t seem to understand what Jesus said, he was not speaking to some “imaginary friend�, he was talking to people.

Jesus therefore answered them, "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone desires to do his will, he will know about the teaching, whether it is from God, or if I am speaking from myself.
John 7:16-17

Now, if you would do God’s will, according to that scripture, you would know if is from God.

[Willum]

[Replying to post 57 by 1213]

"He who sent me" would be his imaginary friend, not the crowd.
God's will from scripture is used to justify so many misdeeds, it can't be real.

[William]

[Replying to post 55 by Willum]

I don't see the problem. One cannot distinguish between and imaginary friend and GOD by performing any scientific test.

Where is the problem? Who's problem is it?

[Willum]

[Replying to post 59 by William]

Who said scientific?
Any at all.