s/o - What does it mean when someone says "God is on my side"

[Anonymous]

From the 8 kids thread:
"As long as I continue to have him on my side, all is good"

What does this mean exactly? I honestly want to understand, no flames.

[Anonymous]

I know; I want to know too. God's on everybody's side as far as I'm concerned. It sounds so self righteous to say that. Same with "I'm blessed." It implies that everyone else is not. And no, I'm not an atheist. I was raised a Christian and am now an agnostic, I suppose because I ponder stuff like this.

[Anonymous]

I've said this before and honestly it doesn't mean some deep thing that needs to be looked in to. It just means I'm a follower of God, I do things with him in mind, and I try to lead a Christian life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've said this before and honestly it doesn't mean some deep thing that needs to be looked in to. It just means I'm a follower of God, I do things with him in mind, and I try to lead a Christian life.

You don't think being a follower of God is a "deep thing" ?

Realize that it makes you sound smug and sanctimonious. Maybe you do need to examine it a little more.

[Anonymous]

Generally to say "...on the side of God, or on God's side" means I am right and you are wrong; ie, God is on my side.

[Anonymous]

It can be meant combatively, as PP pointed out. the "I'm right, you're wrong" approach.

Or, I also take it to mean that the person has faith that God is looking out for them. "I have a lot on my plate, but I know God is on my side so it'll all be okay." It's a different means of expressing faith. My grandma used to say that God doesn't give you more than you can handle. If he's "on your side", you can handle whatever life brings you.

Just my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It can be meant combatively, as PP pointed out. the "I'm right, you're wrong" approach.

Or, I also take it to mean that the person has faith that God is looking out for them. "I have a lot on my plate, but I know God is on my side so it'll all be okay." It's a different means of expressing faith. My grandma used to say that God doesn't give you more than you can handle. If he's "on your side", you can handle whatever life brings you.

Just my opinion.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know; I want to know too. God's on everybody's side as far as I'm concerned. It sounds so self righteous to say that. Same with "I'm blessed." It implies that everyone else is not. And no, I'm not an atheist. I was raised a Christian and am now an agnostic, I suppose because I ponder stuff like this.

If you are agnostic, then why on earth would this statement offend you? You shouldn't care what anyone of faith, any faith, believes or says about their faith.

Unless you are secretly concerned that they might actually be right...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know; I want to know too. God's on everybody's side as far as I'm concerned. It sounds so self righteous to say that. Same with "I'm blessed." It implies that everyone else is not. And no, I'm not an atheist. I was raised a Christian and am now an agnostic, I suppose because I ponder stuff like this.

If you are agnostic, then why on earth would this statement offend you? You shouldn't care what anyone of faith, any faith, believes or says about their faith.

Unless you are secretly concerned that they might actually be right...

Being an agnostic means you doubt. You doubt either side is right (Christians v atheists), and you're trying to find out. It doesn't mean you don't believe either way. It means you're skeptical, as anyone who thinks hard about this stuff is apt to be. So yes, an agnostic is certainly allowed to have an opinion.

[Anonymous]

It seems to mean they think god shares their opinions and agrees with their decisions. I have family members who say this in regard to their religious/political opinions and decisions/actions in general.

I think they are just at peace with what they do and their decisions/opinions and think that means god is on their side.

The issue comes when they use it as a counterargument.

[Anonymous]

It means he was rooting for both Romney and Obama, since they both claim to have God on their side. God, really doesn't take sides.

[Anonymous]

Hubris.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hubris.

That's how it sounds to me, too. Like when a sports team prays for a win, as if God likes them more than their opponent. Massive hubris.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know; I want to know too. God's on everybody's side as far as I'm concerned. It sounds so self righteous to say that. Same with "I'm blessed." It implies that everyone else is not. And no, I'm not an atheist. I was raised a Christian and am now an agnostic, I suppose because I ponder stuff like this.

So you doubt God because some of his followers are stupid?

[Anonymous]

Many religious people say this. It just means they are mindful of God's presence in their lives and they are conscious of doing their best to follow the right path, so to speak.

I'm uncomfortable with this expression. I don't think people who say it usually mean to be arrogant, but it doesn't acknowledge that even though there many millions of people who are trying just as hard to do the right thing with their lives, terrible things are happening to them anyway. It doesn't mean God isn't on their side.