Perceiving God’s Voice: What Can We Reasonably Expect to Experience When God Speaks?

Abstract

Perceiving God’s voice: what can we reasonably expect to experience when God speaks?The aim of this practical-theological study is to investigate what the average Christian can reasonably expect to experience when God speaks. Given that vagueness exists amongst Christians with regards to what it is like to experience the voice of God practically, the study takes as its objectives the task of identifying objective criteria for the evaluation of religious experience as well as the offering of practical guidelines for the development of a discerning heart. The study begins with a presentation of the findings of an empirical investigation into current perspectives amongst Christians from various denominations in the Muldersdrift area.The data that was gathered by means of both surveys and interviews is then further expounded upon in a biblical-theological analysis. Under consideration are differing perspectives on the will of God and its discover ability; the nature and purpose of divine communication; the levels of awareness and certainty of divine communication as evidenced by select biblical characters; the condition and role of the human spirit in discernment; the need for regular infilling as a prerequisite for effective discernment,environmental influences and practical exercises in preparation for discernment. The study concludes with a summary of the findings of the biblical-theological analysis, presented in the form of a study guide.The results of the study show that while there are differences of opinion with regards to how Christians are to go about seeking divine guidance, the general consensus is that we should have, as our primary concern, a focus upon fostering a deep and intimate relationship with God, out of which direction and instruction will naturally and invariably flow.The ways in which Christians experience this direction, moreover, are as unique and varied as each individual relationship with God is unique and varied. The ultimate purpose of the study is fulfilled through the inspiration and facilitation of relationship-building as opposed to the presentation of a methodology for the divination of the will of God.

Perceiving God’s voice: what can we reasonably expect to experience when God speaks?The aim of this practical-theological study is to investigate what the average Christian can reasonably expect to experience when God speaks. Given that vagueness exists amongst Christians with regards to what it is like to experience the voice of God practically, the study takes as its objectives the task of identifying objective criteria for the evaluation of religious experience as well as the offering of practical guidelines for the development of a discerning heart. The study begins with a presentation of the findings of an empirical investigation into current perspectives amongst Christians from various denominations in the Muldersdrift area.The data that was gathered by means of both surveys and interviews is then further expounded upon in a biblical-theological analysis. Under consideration are differing perspectives on the will of God and its discover ability; the nature and purpose of divine communication; the levels of awareness and certainty of divine communication as evidenced by select biblical characters; the condition and role of the human spirit in discernment; the need for regular infilling as a prerequisite for effective discernment,environmental influences and practical exercises in preparation for discernment. The study concludes with a summary of the findings of the biblical-theological analysis, presented in the form of a study guide.The results of the study show that while there are differences of opinion with regards to how Christians are to go about seeking divine guidance, the general consensus is that we should have, as our primary concern, a focus upon fostering a deep and intimate relationship with God, out of which direction and instruction will naturally and invariably flow.The ways in which Christians experience this direction, moreover, are as unique and varied as each individual relationship with God is unique and varied. The ultimate purpose of the study is fulfilled through the inspiration and facilitation of relationship-building as opposed to the presentation of a methodology for the divination of the will of God.