People might find this to be surprising, but the above phrase annoys me. It's beyond an annoyance really. If you suggest that I do something because they feel like it's God's will, then I immediately perceive their IQ to be about 20 points lower. Why? There are two reasons. One is because I find that statement to be extremely condescending, rude, and arrogant, unless the statement is about some broad idea that everyone knows about (i.e. You should help those in need because it's God's will). Two is because this statement leaves no room for argument and compromise.
For the life of me, I can't see how people aren't offended (sorry for the double negative). Here are the premises:
1. I know what the almighty supernatural being (God) wants
2. You do not know what God wants
3. Therefore you should do as I (he) say(s)
Let's take this statement for an example: "I was praying yesterday, and God spoke to me saying that you should come back to California" (I made up this silly example).
The first premise is obviously true. The second premise is implied. If we both knew what the almighty wanted, then the person wouldn't have to tell me anything. If someone is trying to change my behavior by telling me what God had said, it necessarily implies that I do not know what God wants. I emphasize change because that means we are at a disagreement, and if I'm at a disagreement with a person who knows exactly what God wants, then I must obviously do not know what God wants. I'm always tempted to say, "well, I prayed too and God told me the exact opposite thing."
To be even more honest, and blasphemous, whenever people told me to listen to God, I had no idea what they were talking about. I can honestly tell you that I tried so hard, but I only ended up talking to myself and listening to my conscious, which all humans innately have.
Premise three is also quite obviously true. I know that many people don't mean it to be this way, but the phrase "it's God's will," or anything close to it, is really an attempt to subjugate another human being by using a higher authority as an excuse. I'm not okay with that.
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