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WHO GOD IS?
Most people in the world believe in god. Our schools, malls, and grocery stores are filled with spiritual people looking for truth. Teenagers in 2002 aren't afraid to explore issues of faith, belief, and religion. In fact, they're searching for a scratch to their spiritual itch. True atheists (people who don't believe in a god), are almost extinct. People are looking for God . . . somewhere. The hard question is, where is He? Who is He? Is there only one answer to the eternal question? Whose god is the true God?
In the November 27 issue of USA Today, Scott Stapp (lead singer for the rock band CREED) was quoted as saying, "I mean, all three of us [in the band] have faith, and I think we all believe there is a God . . . But it's not a Christian God or a Buddhist God or a Muslim God. It's the God I see when I look at my little boy. It's the God I see in nature . . . It's the God that is revealed to me through the world around me."
This month, roughly one thousand teenagers were asked to sit down and have a conversation with Scott Stapp. You were asked what you would say in response to Scott Stapp's statement about God. You were asked what YOU believe about God. Most students questioned are churchgoing teenagers who sit in Sunday School classes and youth meetings every week. These are their answers. You will agree with some. You will disagree with others. But when you're sitting with your friends and they express what you see on this page, what will you say? What are you thinking about WHO GOD IS?
I admire that Stapp is searching for God through the blessings He gives us on earth, but I'm not sure he'll find Him by simply having that mindset. Like James said, "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder" (James 2:19). A plethora of other verses could complement that idea. It would be my prayer that Stapp recognizes the only way he'll find God is through the living Word, accepting Christ's invitation and promise, and then giving thanks for his little boy, nature and the world around him. Thomas, age 18
I think in the end all our gods are the same. We all believe in a heavenly being and this being provides us with this hope and love that gets us through our days. It doesn't matter to what house of worship you go to. I completely agree with him. Lauren, age 16
I agree with what Scott Stapp would say. Because God is in nature, in the world, and in everybody. Although he doesn't think there is one God of the universe. Sometimes I even think there is a God in nature, in the world, and in little children. Chris, age 14
I'd have no problem telling him exactly what I believe. There is a God and a Jesus. There always has been and there always will be. I believe a little in all religions. Many believe in some of the same things and concepts we do. Things like giving to the poor and treating each other well are virtues in several religions, not just ours. Nicki, age 14
I would say well I agree to an extent. I agree that you can see God in everything: nature, your kid, anything. But I believe that there is only one God. A God who is in control of everything. A God who is loving and forgiving and all powerful. I believe that along with this awesome God there is Jesus. And that only through Jesus can we go to heaven. And with one you most have the other. Ginger, age 15
I'd have to say I disagree with Scott. He says he does not believe in a Christian God and by saying this, he is denying my God - the one and only. He cannot possibly know the God I do. God is a "Christian God" because if you deny Jesus, then you also deny Him. "But if anyone denies me here on earth, I will deny that person before my Father in heaven" (Mat 10:33 NLT). You can't have God without Jesus. He's the only way to get to God. Jessica, age 15
I agree completely. I don't understand why everyone seems to believe that there's only one right God. To be completely honest, I believe that there is one true God, but he has several names. Everyone in the world worships basically in the same way they just use different names and ceremonies. But then again, I also believe there is no right religion or right God. Just as long as people have faith. Their hearts are in the right place but their
minds have to wake up. Jessica, age 15
God is in those things, like he gives you your little boy, he created nature but those things are not God. They're reflections of God's grace and love. Sarah, age 14
I agree, you don't have to worship something to love it. And if you truly love God then why would you need to have another idol? I would have to agree with Scott on this one! Amanda, age 14
I too see God when I look at those things. And that's natural because God created them. He gave you your son, and loves him even more than you do. He formed the world in His hands. He made nature for us to use and enjoy. He does this all because He loves us and knows our needs, and even our desires. It's hard to believe it sometimes, that someone so perfect could love me (a sinner), but He does. So much so that He sent His only Son to take the punishment for all my sin. He loves you too. Even when you don't understand God, He is still the same. The God over Christians is the God over the Buddhists and God over Nature. He created all of them. Simon, age 20
I would somewhat agree with him. He is the God you see when you look at your son, he is the God who created nature, and he is the God who created the world around you, but he is also so much more than that. He is a loving God, that no matter what you look like, or what you have done he will always love you. He is always there and will never leave you. He is so much that it is hard to put into words. Jami, age 16
I think I would ask him questions like does this god do anything for you...or what about after life ...do u think you'll go to heaven....is there a heaven ...and then tell him that my God Jesus loves him and will save you from going to hell ....your life will change forever for the good .and see what he has to say bout that !! Connie, age 15
I would think very highly of him after such a remarkable comment, obviously he hasn't let all of his fame go to his head, and that was very deep. And I do agree with what he is saying, in that there isn't a Christian god and a Muslim god. They are they same god, but seen differently by different people. Ashley, age 15
I agree with some things that Scott said. I agree that I can see God in nature, and in the faces of my loved ones, but I wouldn't be able to see anything at all without the knowledge of our Christian God. God is obvious in the world and I think it's great that he acknowledged a God, although I wish he would open his eyes to the Christians around him. Anonymous
I'd tell him I agreed with his opinion. The point isn't to put God in a box and divide him into different religions. There is only one God and he just wants us to believe in, love and worship him. Courtney, age 14
I would tell him that I am the true believer in God the one and only God the Christian God . If there was no God then he wouldn't be here asking me this question. I would ask him why he thought he was blessed with the talent to sing. Maybe it was so he could send a message. No one knows why God does what he does. He has a reason for him being there and I think he should worship him. Ashley, age 13
Mr. Stapp's statement to me sounds like some form of pantheism, or deism. I've been learning about it recently in my English class. They believe that some form of God is manifested in everything able to be found in nature, and that is the only form of God.. Some of the stuff kinda makes sense, they do believe in god, but they don't believe that he interferes with human endeavors. I wonder if Mr. Stapp believes in that too. I wonder if he does not believe in one all powerful God, then does he believe in an afterlife? If he does not believe in one all powerful God, does he believe that Jesus came down to earth, died, and rose again? It sounds to me that Mr. Stapp sees the beauty in the things that God has created, and interprets them as actually being God. I don't think I would agree with him here. I believe there is one god, there is an afterlife, Jesus did come down, so If he does not believe in those things, then I am afraid I would have to disagree. I mean, I do believe there is God INSIDE of us (it's called the holy spirit) but I don't think god is ONLY the holy spirit. You see what I mean? That's why it is called the trinity, not the... I dunno... solo-ity. Griffin, age 15
I would have to say that I completely agree with him. I would have never thought of that but he seems to see God in good places. I would have to say that I think God is everywhere. In pictures of September attacks, I would say that I see him and think of what he wants us to get out of. Karla, age 15
You say that you have faith in the God you see in nature, and the God you see when you look at your son. But is it really the God that you see when you look into your own heart? Do you know Him personally, or do you just sing about him? Just out of curiosity, how can you have faith in your own God that doesn't even exist? I know of a God who really DOES exist, and I'd be glad to share him with you if you want. Meredith, age 15
I don't believe in a Christian God or a Buddhist God either. I believe in the God who is always with me no matter what. The one who catches me when I fall and holds me even when I'm not falling. He's the one who calls me home when I get lost and sings me to sleep every night. The God who gave me the ability to sing my heart out for him and the one who keeps me living everyday so I can share him with everyone. I believe in the God who loves me and who loves everyone even if they don't accept him. Taylor, age 13
It's not just the God that's present in nature or in your son, it's THE God who's present everywhere, and in everything. It's a whole bigger picture than just nature or your son, they are only pieces of it. He's not just revealed in the world around YOU, but he's everywhere all the time, around everyone. Obviously, he's present in my life as well, otherwise I wouldn't be bothering sharing all this with you. Janet, age 17
God to me is a person who loved me first, who sent His son to die for me, and a God who will always protect, always love, and always guide me. God is the friend that listens to you and helps you through, the Father that holds you and tells you everything will be alright. He's the person who never judges you and forgives you of your sins. God is the Alpha, Omega, Beginning, and end. God is colorblind and loves all. Christine, age 15
I would tell him that the God he sees when he looks at all of that, is the God that Christians believe in. Our God is the creator of the universe and everything and person in it. Mandy, age 18
That's exactly what I would hope to hear! The god that Christians believe in is somewhat like that. I mean, through his works he makes himself known. Say, in a hurricane. It shows his awesome power, yet gives the comfort that he's in control. Patrick, age 13
I'd probably say, well I believe in a god (The God) that sent his one and only son to die for us, so we could live in Heaven with him forever in eternity. I might not say it quit like that, but I'd try to get as close as possible to that. Dave, age 18.
I wouldn't really know how to start out, but I would just tell him what I believe! The God that I believe in is the one true God and he is SO awesome! Brandy, age 14
I would probably say "look how great Jesus is because he is MY God and he died for ME. And I'd talk about how great my God is, like how my God makes planets for fun. How my God SPOKE the whole WORLD into existence. Or how my God picked me to go out and help reach believers in him. And how my God lets me help my friends and family through life. And my god loves ME. Or how my God has given me interesting talents and great social skills so I could better serve him." I think I'd say something like that! Chris, age 16
In my mind, as a fruit inspector, Stapp (and his band mates) are not Christians. They/he may be searching for "a deeper faith or a deeper meaning" but they're not Believers as the scriptures define the word. I personally believe that they may be very close to finding God's truth. Whether they embrace it or not is an entirely different matter. He confuses people with his messed-up theology/philosophy. While I think their music is some of the best and most positive out there right now, Creed IS NOT a Christian band and should have that label removed from them. I pray that the guys do find the Lord because then the heart would match the mind and they could really begin to evangelize folks. Thomas, adult
I would tell him he is correct, but only in part and needs to finish his thought train. Yes, God is not a Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist God, He is the one and only God. And yes he is seen in nature and in the faces of small children. If a person is willing to look, God can be seen in all things. In the beauty of a sunset, or a sun rise, He can be seen in the ocean and the mountains, and he is also present in the "world." Consider video games, had God not made man, who would have thought of the idea and then developed the technology to make it possible, or for that matter, the ability and natural resources to manufacture the components required to make it happen. And as for the color of the game, where do the colors come from?
But the point not brought out is the personal nature of God. It is one thing to acknowledge his existence in this world, but it is entirely another to recognize his hand in all that is here. Did his young son just happen? No, it is the miracle of conception and childbirth that has occurred. A gift of God that is to be acknowledged and praised and thanks offered for. In all things a personal relationship with God is necessary. Recognition of who He is, praise for who He is, thanks for all He is, and recognition of His hand in all that is, was, and is to be.
God is not this "thing" that is out there....He is real and personal, and recognition and acceptance of that fact on a personal level is what He is all about. Marc, age 45
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