Final answer:
The first two steps to acquiring knowledge of God are questioning the existence of a deity and examining the nature of divine commands. These steps require critical introspection and external verification to distinguish truth from personal belief. Historical and philosophical perspectives can provide guidance on this spiritual journey.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first two steps for those who desire the knowledge of God involve a combination of introspection and seeking external confirmation. The first step is questioning the existence of a deity: Is there a God or any deity? This involves personal reflection and examining philosophical, theological, and scientific arguments pertaining to the existence of a higher power. The second step addresses the nature of divine commands and whether anyone can claim to have received such commands. It involves researching and understanding various religious texts and teachings to ascertain what different traditions claim as divine commands, and comparing these to personal experiences and reason to determine their authenticity.
In seeking the knowledge of God, it is crucial to recognize the value of truth, as one cannot truly know something that is false. Moreover, validating any religious experience that one may have as genuinely divine requires that such an experience be confirmed by others or supported by other forms of evidence, establishing its authenticity beyond personal conviction alone.
Intellectual figures such as those from the School of Chartres, like Steven, believed in learning about the world to understand the divine, drawing on ancient texts from philosophers like Aristotle and Plato. This illustrates that the pursuit of knowledge, both theological and secular, has historically been considered a pathway to understanding the divine.
Additionally, arguments for the existence of God often incorporate religious experiences, though they necessitate careful scrutiny to differentiate between subjective perceptions and objective truths. Philosophical inquiries akin to those posed by thinkers like Confucius can guide individuals in their pursuit of truth and understanding, particularly when it comes to complex questions regarding divinity and moral existence.