View source for Those who are trying to find out God by speculation, they are theosophist. And theologist means one who knows God and abides by His order

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{{terms|"Those who are trying to find out God by speculation, they are theosophist. And theologist means one who knows God and abides by His order"}}
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[[Category:Those Who Are]]
[[Category:Try To]]
[[Category:Find Out]]
[[Category:Finding God]]
[[Category:Speculation]]
[[Category:They Are]]
[[Category:Theosophists]]
[[Category:Theologians]]
[[Category:Means]]
[[Category:One Who Knows]]
[[Category:Knowing God]]
[[Category:Abiding by God]]
[[Category:God's Orders]]
[[Category:Pages Needing Audio - NABAKUMAR]]
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<h2>Conversations and Morning Walks</h2>
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<h3>1975 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3>
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Theology means science of God. So what is that science? You are trying to understand God, or you know God; you are going to abide by God's dictation. First of all, two things: you do not know God; you are trying to find out God. I think this is not theology; it is theosophy. Those who are trying to find out God by speculation, they are theosophist. And theologist means one who knows God and abides by His order. Just like we know government and we accept the government's law and abide by it. That is good citizenship. And those who have no government, they are trying to find out some good system of government, and that is another thing. So what is your position? You know God or you are trying to find out God? What is the theologician's position? That is my question.
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[[Vanisource:750624 - Conversation - Los Angeles|750624 - Conversation - Los Angeles]]
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Prabhupāda: I think I saw you sometimes in Detroit.

Dr. Judah: Yes, we've met before. I interviewed you several years ago. Yes.

Dharmādhyakṣa: And this is Dr. John Orr. He is the chairman of the Religion Department at the University of Southern California, and he has written a few books called The Radical Suburb and Ethical Choice, and his academic interest is in ethics and religion and culture, and education in public policy. And this is Dr. Crossley back here, also from the University of Southern California. He has a Doctor of Theology, and he is interested in modern theology. He's written many articles on modern theologians . . .

Prabhupāda: Then why modern theology? (laughter) Is God modern?

Dr. Crossley: No, but one can't do all theologians. One can't do every theologian.

Prabhupāda: No, "theo" means God, is it not?

Dr. Crossley: Yes.

Prabhupāda: And theology means science of God. So what is that science? You are trying to understand God, or you know God; you are going to abide by God's dictation. First of all, two things: you do not know God; you are trying to find out God. I think this is not theology; it is theosophy. Those who are trying to find out God by speculation, they are theosophist. And theologist means one who knows God and abides by His order. Just like we know government and we accept the government's law and abide by it. That is good citizenship. And those who have no government, they are trying to find out some good system of government, and that is another thing. So what is your position? You know God or you are trying to find out God? What is the theologician's position? That is my question.

Dr. Crossley: It's both.

Prabhupāda: No, both cannot be.

Dr. Crossley: Some seek . . .

Prabhupāda: No, both cannot be. That is illogical. If you know God, there is no use of finding Him out. You know already who is God.

Dr. Crossley: Is knowing the end of seeking?

Prabhupāda: Oh, yes. You abide by His law. That's all. You know your father. Abide by his law, that's all. Whatever father says, you abide by that. And if you do (don't) know who is your father, that is very difficult job? How do you find your father? By research? Do you find your father by research work? That is my question. Is it possible to find my father by research work? What is the answer?

Dr. Crossley: I think you know your father. You know who he is.

Prabhupāda: How I know?

Dr. Crossley: Because you see him, you talk to him, you touch him.

Prabhupāda: But what is the proof that he is my father? I see so many gentlemen. How I know who is my father?

Dr. Crossley: He tells you you're his son.

Prabhupāda: That means you accept anyone as God—he tells that, "I am God"?

Dr. Crossley: No, but I accept anyone as father who tells me that I am his son, because only one has ever told me that.

Prabhupāda: No, that is not the way. Everyone will say: "I am your father." You will accept? Everyone will say: "I am your father," will you accept everyone as your father? Then how do you accept the bona fide father? Hmm?

Dr. Wolfe: Foster fathers very often say that they are the real . . .

Prabhupāda: Huh?

Dr. Wolfe: Foster fathers very often tell their foster children that they are the real fathers.

Prabhupāda: No, no, we are not talking of foster; we are talking of real father. How do you know your real father?

Dr. Crossley: You've grown up with him. You've known him since you were a little child. It's part of your consciousness.

Prabhupāda: So if my consciousness is not right, then I may select a wrong father.

Dr. Crossley: Well, just because you know he's your father, there's still more to know about him. There's more and more to understand.

Prabhupāda: It is . . . very simple answer is: when the mother certifies, "He is your father," that's all. (laughter) You don't have to make research. That is futile.
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