Here’s the premise of the conversation.
Previously in the conversation: Read it. Seriously. Read it. I won’t throw superlatives at it in terms of how it is outstanding and incisive and thought-provoking and startling. Those are the least superlatives you’ll offer when you consider this man’s work on what makes authority legitimate and the tragic qualities that are bringing down society. Those in themselves are really brilliant pieces of work. It’s what he has to say in advising someone about to get married that gets into some of his most considered and fascinating work. Just for that, you should read it and share it and then read it again and save it to refer to time and time again. Seriously, read this.
In the light of that, I have the unenviable task of following that with responses to his questions:
Q – What do you understand about dreams, their nature and source? By dreams, I refer to visions that people have while asleep or unconscious. Have you or anyone close to you had dreams that in some way came true? If it is true that even people who worship idols or don’t accept God have such dreams, then does that tell you anything about the nature of dreams or humanity?
I will base my understanding of the subject on what I understand about it as it’s written about in scripture. Dreams, in the Bible, are usually forms of communication that God gives to someone often about how things have been, are and/or how things are to be. The source of the dreams in the Bible are usually divine. I have seen the dreams of one or two others be realised, but it’s not a common practice or experience.
My personal experience of dreams has usually been a morality type, with messages to align me to what is right in God’s sight. They have rightly seen through an area of my life where I’ve wandered from what’s true and noble and have warned me of the consequences of continuing on such a trajectory. Someone close to me has been given accurate insights into someone’s life and times without being informed by any parties concerned via dreams.
As you’re probably aware, there are quite a number of occasions in scripture when idol-worshippers have received dreams that have been interpreted as coming from God. What that tells me is to first take dreams seriously as far as godly discernment is concerned.
Secondly, it says something about the human’s capacity to still be someone that God will speak through even if they reject Him or do not acknowledge Him. As was the case in a number of the biblical episodes, those dream experiences were used to bring those individuals to an understanding of the one true God, although that wasn’t always the case. What this also tells me, however, is just how God communicates through humanity in various ways and it does take that discerning heart to truly be aware of what’s being said and what to learn from it.
That goes for dreams and can apply to other areas of human expression as well.
Q – The Bible warns against divination, witchcraft and sorcery. What is your understanding of these words? And do they have any relevance to your life or modern life? Have you ever experienced a witch, sorcerer, or diviner in your life?
What a fascinating question and I will not pretend that I’ll have a comprehensive word to respond to that in this account. Though I thank you very much for asking a question that does unlock a whole treasure chest on a matter that I acknowledge I don’t give the right amount of time in considering.
Please allow me to put those three terms under the same category to explore them and that category on this writing is one that I’ll call the Dark Arts. There is a branch of life that seeks to find powers and knowledge from sources other than God – as if such definitive sources of powers and knowledge can be divined (see what I did there). In this branch of operations tapping into ungodly spiritual expressions wizards, witches, sorcerers, etc make a claim to be able to influence forces to their own ends. Sometimes this is done using physical materials, sometimes this is done through incantations and reference to non-physical elements. The key to all of these areas is how they necessarily source themselves in ungodly sources. That to me is a key reason why the Bible warns against such Dark Arts.
It should also inform why it’s such a big deal. It’s a big deal because it’s another opportunity for humanity to tap into a source of power for themselves. It’s present in the appeal of things like horoscopes and tarot card readings – you want information, you want knowledge, that you can divine from elsewhere. It’s not that dissimilar to what took place when man rebelled against God in the belief that they could take the place of God.
The Dark Arts are very present and prevalent in modern life. There are the aforementioned horoscopes and tarot card readings. There is spiritualism that people tap into giving the impression that people can communicate with those who have gone before and they can receive guidance and insight from them. That’s prevalent in the city that I live in. There are also those circles and societies that offer insights into hidden knowledge and powers and influences in day to day life that allows them to succeed in areas of leadership and finances.
There is even the self-help industry which likes to tap into concepts and practices that is more about what you can achieve by the power of words and visions that you bring up and concentrate on and then all of your dreams can come true. These are not pedalled by people in cloaks over cauldrons and dark surroundings with candles, scents and the like. These are promises and offerings being made by sophisticated, friendly, bright and engaging people who wouldn’t dream of looking to swindle you. Although to have the kind of life that they enjoy will cost you … and if you pay the price but don’t happen to have the life that they do, well that’s not their problem that you just weren’t committed enough.
That is to indicate that I’ve had an occasional run-in with those who are diligent purveyors of the Dark Arts. If I take God seriously – and I admit I need to take Him even more seriously on this matter – then I will seek to be all the more discerning and sensitive to the ways in which those who promote the Dark Arts endeavour to influence life overtly and subtly. Having written all of that, it is clearly important to state that the idea is to take God seriously. Learn about Him and His ways, his will and the works that He has for those who fear Him and look to follow His commands. It’s not about getting hung up on the wicked, it’s about being so sensitive to the truth and revering the truth that what doesn’t relate to that can be discerned and avoided or otherwise rejected.
Speaking of revering the truth …
Q – Is science one of the means that you use to come to truth? What is your understanding of the term science?
Hmmmmmmmmm. Let’s start with the second question first. My understanding of this word, science. The understanding I have of this term is that this is about the quest for knowledge. What is there to know and how can we know it as categorically and assuredly as possible. Through the variety of developing methods over the centuries, man has sought to ascertain for himself a knowledge of himself and the world around him. I have a good friend who starts his prayers by referring to God as the one who sees all and knows all. There is something about that which is I think at the heart of man’s quest for knowledge. There can be an element in which it is a genuine appreciation for all that God knows. So looking at nature as a majestic masterpiece, the quest of science can be to come to terms with elements of this vast and complex world and what is perceived as beyond.
That leads to the first question. Two key words – science and truth. I reserve the opportunity to revisit these thoughts and change them in the light of further teaching to correct me wherever I go wrong. I use that disclaimer before making this statement. Science is not designed for people to come to the knowledge of the truth. Often it’s people’s preconceptions of what is true that lead them to science. Indeed where a lot of philosophies and arguments are concerned science is used in an effort to support them. Conveniently – for any argument – science can be pulled out to support that argument.
Such is the highly valued status of science that it is referred to almost as if it is a set standard for what is real and true. Everything about what is real and true is to be determined by it. Of course, what is not mentioned in reference to science is the basis on which science should be trusted in its truth claims. We shouldn’t question these scientists because they have spent years studying these subjects and have degrees and research that back their status, far be it from anyone to question or suggest that a certain approach to science – the one that the majority have gone for, or certain influential sources have backed as the ones to present information to support their perspective.
The truth for me is something that I start first with who God is. Everything about the truth flows from that. where science helps in the quest of appreciating God and His works I am totally up for that. God is the author of all truth, anything that helps with that is something I look to cherish.
These are outstanding questions, David. I hope I’ve done justice to their excellence with my responses. Thanks for that challenge.
So I do have some questions to ask you, David. I really do but … I’d like to save these questions for something a little different … (to be continued):
These conversations are a highlight to my week, my brother, that is all down to your commitment to good conversation. Thanks for your time.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 