Entrance Exam for God

This old friend of mine (whom I have known since form 1) was very delighted for me when he heard me talk about my spiritual journey with God. He doesn't tell what he believes in but only that he has read the Bible as a way of helping him compare different religions. I just spoke to him on MSN and he asked me whether I've found myself now that I have come to know God. He didn't wait for an answer but instead went on to give me his rather "hybrid" version of the Christian faith.

My purpose in life?

I told him that I don't know what is my purpose in life except that it is aligned with God. He will reveal it to me as I continue my spiritual walk with Him. I think that is a fair assessment of my current stage of spiritual development. His response was that I should quit praying and just talk to God directly. This is the start of his rather malicious attack on my faith. You will see a disturbing pattern.

Isn't prayer a form of communication with God?

He seemed to imply that there is a more direct approach to conversing with God -- an approach which he himself has taken. I told him that no one could claim to hear God speaking to him unless he himself has accepted Jesus Christ. His response was that it doesn't mean he hasn't accepted Christ just because he isn't a Christian. Well, I don't think I confused the two, did I? I asked him again whether he has accepted Christ. He then pulls out the stunner with this: "I won't reveal it to the likes of you." He said that it is for him to know and that I am not worthy enough. Wow, that came out of nowhere and I felt a bit insulted but fairly amused with his reaction.

Is he more worthy of God's attention than I?

I don't think God can be used in this way. I told him that if he knew God, he would be so happy to share Him to the world. Why would anyone keep God to himself? He said that this is not always true but he doesn't give any example. I said that God is not for the selfish and this is the simple truth. I guess this was the final straw because he left abruptly. Did I miss something?

The conclusion

He made several unusual assumptions about God:-

1) Don't pray to God, just talk to Him (don't speak, just talk)

2) A relationship with God is an exclusive club membership (some are more qualified than others)

3) Knowing God doesn't always mean you're happy to share Him (what do you think?)

The worst claim of all is that he is somehow a mysteriously 'higher' Christian than I am despite him not admitting to accepting Jesus Christ. I don't know where to place him. If he were a brother in Christ, he would not put it that way. I'm more hurt by it because he is a friend and nothing could justify type of language used. His assumptions about God lead me to the conclusion that he has not accepted Christ and he is a very confused person indeed. His comparative study of different religions must have contributed to his convulated understanding of God. Did I do anything wrong?

I have forgiven him.

Kitt