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Is God Your Co-Pilot?

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by J.D., Feb 23, 2007.

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  1. J.D.

    J.D. Active Member
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    Have you seen those bumber stickers? "God is my co-pilot"?

    Depending where you stand on that statement may reveal your theology. Here's my summary:

    Pelagian - "God is my flight instructor, I fly the plane"

    Semi-Pelagian - "God is my co-pilot, I am the pilot"

    Arminian - "God is my pilot, I am the co-pilot"

    Calvinist - "God is my pilot, I am a passenger"

    Calminian/"biblicist"/revivalist-baptist: "Sometimes God is the Pilot, and sometimes He is the passenger; sometimes I am the pilot, sometimes I am the passenger".

    What do you think, good analogy?
     
    #1 J.D., Feb 23, 2007
  2. Amy.G

    Amy.G New Member

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    God is the inventor, designer, engineer, builder and pilot of the plane.
    I'm just thankful He doesn't throw me out of it.
     
    #2 Amy.G, Feb 23, 2007
  3. AAA

    AAA New Member

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    God is GOD, HE is my "ALL in ALL", my everything....

    my LORD...
    my GOD...
    my SAVIOUR
    my SOVERIEGN
    my SHEPHERD
    my CREATOR
    my JUDGE
    my CONFORTER
    my FRIEND
    my MASTER
    my HEALER
    my PROTECTOR
    my HELP
    my ETC...................

    But, HE is not my co-pilot, servant, or santa..........

    :godisgood:
     
    #3 AAA, Feb 23, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 23, 2007
  4. EdSutton

    EdSutton New Member

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    How about:

    If God is your co-pilot, you might oughta' swap seats!

    Ed
     
    #4 EdSutton, Feb 23, 2007
  5. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    Ed,

    By George, I think you've got it!
     
    #5 Tom Butler, Feb 24, 2007
  6. Martin

    Martin Active Member

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    Of course I would like to say that "God is my pilot, I am a passenger". However if I were perfectly honest I would have to say that "Sometimes God is the Pilot, and sometimes He is the passenger; sometimes I am the pilot, sometimes I am the passenger". It is a struggle to let someone else, even God, be in control of day to day life. However I pray that it is something I am learning to do better (each day).
     
    #6 Martin, Feb 24, 2007
  7. Martin

    Martin Active Member

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    ==I know the feeling, AMEN to that! :laugh:
     
    #7 Martin, Feb 24, 2007
  8. John of Japan

    John of Japan Well-Known Member
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    Historical perspective:

    The phrase "God Is My Co-Pilot" was originally the title of a book by Colonel Robert Lee Scott telling of his experiences as a fighter pilot with the Flying Tigers flying in China against the Japanese before the US got into WW2. As such, Colonel Scott was talking about being a literal pilot and feeling the presence of God with him as he fought the Japanese. So in the original context it made sense.

    Having said that, I agree that God should be the pilot of every Christian--not the co-pilot.
     
    #8 John of Japan, Feb 24, 2007
  9. El_Guero

    El_Guero New Member

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    I can tell that you do not fly . . .



     
    #9 El_Guero, Feb 24, 2007
  10. Jon-Marc

    Jon-Marc New Member

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    I like the one I've also seen that says, "God is my Pilot." I'm not Calvinist, but I go with that one. I go to a Southern Baptist church, but I'm from the north and am actually independent Baptist.
     
    #10 Jon-Marc, Feb 24, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 24, 2007
  11. J.D.

    J.D. Active Member
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    Very astute observation, Martin! Putting what we say we believe into practice is a challenge indeed. I'm sure you realize I was speaking theologically in the OP, but since you brought it up, let's talk for a minute about how practice relates to our theology.

    A few years ago I would often say that we should believe like Calvinists but live like Arminians, or, we should believe that every thing depends on God, but work as if it all depends on us. This was before I really understood Calvinism. Now, I find that as we work together WITH Him, there are times I find it very easy to just sow the seed and then wait for the Lord to give the increase. Other times, I become inpatient and try to create a harvest with my own hands. Either way, when I think about it, it's very comforting to know that ALL of those things we experience in this life are working together for our good.
     
    #11 J.D., Feb 24, 2007
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