| From Dave (Q1418. Archived Tuesday, 10-Apr-2007, 12:08 pm. Skeptic) |
kerry packer one of australias richest men and a christian of christian upbringing was interviewed after recovering from a heart attack. |
He was mistaken.
There is a heaven and a hell.
Cordially,
John
| From AND_THEN_WHAT? (Q1416. Archived Tuesday, 10-Apr-2007, 12:08 pm. Skeptic) |
Isn't that kinda pushy? |
Hell is a place where people experience the Just consequences of the harm they did to others.
God's rules are intended to minimize the harm that we do to each other... and when we violate the rules, we increase evil and harm and pain in human society.
Cordially,
John
| From theagitator (Q1414. Archived Tuesday, 10-Apr-2007, 12:08 pm. Skeptic) |
|
because local marriage customs are specific to each culture...
Christianity is not intended to culturally replace all local cultural customs.
Cordially,
John
| From one_angry_wolverine (Q1413. Archived Tuesday, 10-Apr-2007, 12:08 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Eye-witness accounts...
Eye-witnesses indicate that Jesus was taken off the cross, and buried in a tomb which was then sealed.
Cordially,
John
| From Ken (Q1398. Archived Monday, 19-Feb-2007, 12:33 pm. Skeptic) |
|
nope...
God is neither pond scum nor a dinosaur :)
Cordially,
John
| From hermang (Q1393. Archived Monday, 19-Feb-2007, 12:33 pm. Skeptic) |
I'm looking for philosophical view points, defend your answer with facts. |
nope
Cordially,
John
| From harsh truth (Q1384. Archived Thursday, 25-Jan-2007, 12:23 pm. Skeptic) |
YOU'RE WAY OFF BASE |
Some atheists did, and some did not :)
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From wagner7123 (Q1383. Archived Thursday, 25-Jan-2007, 12:23 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Jesus loves you :)
--
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From bob (Q1378. Archived Thursday, 25-Jan-2007, 12:23 pm. Skeptic) |
Both on recieving the message, and in relaying the message to the masses, how can we be sure the intended message was and has been recieved? |
God guided the men as they wrote things down...
We can misinterpret the Bible -- however using the historic-grammatic-linguistic method can reduce the likelihood of misinterpretation.
Cordially,
John
| From Perry L (Q1377. Archived Thursday, 25-Jan-2007, 12:23 pm. Skeptic) |
Do any of you know what a theory is? How is it different than a hypothesis? How is it different than a Law (not the legal or religious kind)? |
:)
A hypothesis is an educated guess.
A theory is a framework used to integrate families of hypotheses ... sometimes people say that a theory is composed of well-tested and uncontradicted hypotheses etc.
A law is a relationship between two or more physical quantities (which can be empirically tested and demonstrated reproducibly and repeatably).
--
The Theory of Evolution is part scientific (Micro*evolution) and part Atheist Faith (Macro*Evolution).
It is relevant to note that there is no evidence that proves Atheistic MacroEvolution (without Intelligent Design)...
I used to believe in Evolution. However, over a period of time I have grown skeptical of the claims of Macro*Evolution... this is largely due to the weakness of the evidence for Macro*Evolution, and the fact that the evidence, rationally interpreted does not support the overarching claims made by Macro*Evolutionists...
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.ht... .
--
In response to your other questions...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From bush kills for god (Q1376. Archived Thursday, 25-Jan-2007, 12:23 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Interesting viewpoint :)
I am a Christian...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From murali siddharth (Q1371. Archived Thursday, 25-Jan-2007, 12:23 pm. Skeptic) |
Terrorism gives a instant death or heavy injury. Theism gives a slow poisoning of mind. Can any one agree? |
Interesting viewpoint :)
--
Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From larry j (Q1368. Archived Thursday, 25-Jan-2007, 12:23 pm. Skeptic) |
i dont understand them. they call themselves jews but they believe jesus was the messiah. that is a definate conflict of beliefs. why dont they just realize that they are christian and quit making real jews look bad. |
I am afraid you are mistaken.
Messianic Jews are most truly authentic Jews.
My experience with Messianic Jews has shown them to be more Jewish (in cultural practices, knowledge of the Torah and Tanach, obedience to G_d) than cultural Jews, the majority of whom appear to be agnostics and some of whom are atheists.
No offense meant.
In general, Judaism is (a) a religion, and (b) a culture.
Some people ofJewish heritage mistake the culture for the religion. To do so is a mistake.
It is indeed possible for a Sincere Committed Jew to come to the rational conclusion that Yeshua (Jesus) is the Jewish Messiah.
Cordially,
John
| From Demonica (Q1360. Archived Thursday, 28-Dec-2006, 12:50 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Good point :)
Cordially,
John
| From Bush Kills for God (Q1356. Archived Thursday, 28-Dec-2006, 12:50 pm. Skeptic) |
|
I love you :)
And so does the Christian God.
--
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From Bush Kills for God (Q1354. Archived Thursday, 28-Dec-2006, 12:50 pm. Skeptic) |
|
I'm afraid you are mistaken.
--
There is no evidence that proves Atheistic MacroEvolution (without Intelligent Design)...
I used to believe in Evolution. However, over a period of time I have grown skeptical of the claims of Macro*Evolution... this is largely due to the weakness of the evidence for Macro*Evolution, and the fact that the evidence, rationally interpreted does not support the overarching claims made by Macro*Evolutionists...
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.ht... .
Cordially,
John
| From hellbent (Q1352. Archived Thursday, 28-Dec-2006, 12:50 pm. Skeptic) |
|
I found my soul :)
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From moshydog (Q1350. Archived Thursday, 28-Dec-2006, 12:50 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Enjoyed your question :)
See below for an example of an atheist who now believes that God exists...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From redjazz (Q1348. Archived Thursday, 28-Dec-2006, 12:50 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Nothing.
There is rational evidence for the existence in history of Jesus Christ...
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm...
Cordially,
John
| From AmiJames (Q1312. Archived Monday, 16-Oct-2006, 12:33 pm. Skeptic) |
Everyone's life is completely made up by this guy named God. You think you're tangible and independent, but you are merely a thought. That's why we get the feeling that everything happens for a reason, but we don't know what it is. It is God allowing us to live his dreams and end with a result that he wants. God hangs out in heaven alone, so to prevent himself from getting lonely and bored, he thinks up new ideas which take the form of lives. He thinks of billions of them every day. He's kind of a loser, but he's really smart. He was never born, because he has always existed. It doesn't make sense to us, because our thinking capacity is only as big as God's, and he doesn't know why he's existed forever. It's scary, but true. |
There is only one God, the Christian God.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From casuffit_...About Me (Q1310. Archived Monday, 16-Oct-2006, 12:33 pm. Skeptic) |
Whatever his name is... |
Because if we are interested in Truth -- the truth is that there is a God.
And our eternal destiny depends on whether we commit our lives to God or not.
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From fiestygirl (Q1304. Archived Monday, 11-Sep-2006, 12:48 pm. Skeptic) |
I'm a very respectful person, I don't judge people for their beliefs. If I have to say, I must be closer to a spiritualist than anything. Then again, spiritualists also believe in a higher energy. I just can't seem to grasp the fact that soemthing semi-controls us or decides our fate in the end, even with our own choices. |
Thank you for sharing your viewpoint.... Enjoyed reading your post.
--
Do I believe in a God?
Yes, the Christian God...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From avalancas (Q1303. Archived Monday, 11-Sep-2006, 12:48 pm. Skeptic) |
I do not believe that bible is accurate. Jews have Torah that's the actual writing. When any translation from Hebrew is done in any other language a lot is lost or added. For those who know only English and not any other language, they don't know how the meaning of words are diffrent from a culture to culture and language to language. Even English translations differ so that we have 4-5 English translations of the bible. If you read the bible and it is like god is speaking to you... what about illiterates? And if you read to an illiterate, what intonation do you use? From your personality, from your dope, or from so called spiritual "Scotty beam me up"? |
Modern Bible translations by reputable publishers (e.g., NIV, NASB etc) are translated by Hebrew Scholars (for the Old Testament) and Greek Scholars (for the New Testament) who ensure that the English translation matches the meaning of the Hebrew text (for old Testament) and Greek text (for new Testament).
Cordially,
John
| From fiestygirl (Q1302. Archived Monday, 11-Sep-2006, 12:48 pm. Skeptic) |
It's like an election.. |
Enjoyed your post...
After much searching I have come to be convinced that the Christian God is the Truth.
--
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From turd_of_misery (Q1300. Archived Monday, 11-Sep-2006, 12:48 pm. Skeptic) |
Is there any doubt within any established scientiific community of the validity of evolution as a legitimate science, that is, those who do not have a specific religious agenda to offer a theory such as creationism in its place? Would this question receive a similar rate of Yes and No answers if I were to post it in the category of Science, Mathematics and Biology where there may be more respondants of scientific inclination? |
Is evolution a biased philosophy (ideology) or an unbiased science?
The evidence indicates that evolution is a biased philosophy/ideology.
--
There is no evidence that proves Atheistic MacroEvolution (without Intelligent Design)...
I used to believe in Evolution. However, over a period of time I have grown skeptical of the claims of Macro*Evolution... this is largely due to the weakness of the evidence for Macro*Evolution, and the fact that the evidence, rationally interpreted does not support the overarching claims made by Macro*Evolutionists...
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.ht... .
Cordially,
John
| From Tie You Up (Q1291. Archived Friday, 1-Sep-2006, 12:42 pm. Skeptic) |
Three, but they're really one. so funny... |
John
Level 6
That was funny... and also based on a misunderstanding of Christianity...
--
In case you might be interested...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From El Borando (Q1283. Archived Friday, 1-Sep-2006, 12:42 pm. Skeptic) |
He left no writings of his own and most of what was written about him was written years after the "fact" by people who never even met him. Hmmm. |
In response to your question...
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm...
Cordially,
John
| From Nerdbot 5000 (Q1273. Archived Wednesday, 30-Aug-2006, 1:16 pm. Skeptic) |
The Torah was passed down through the centuries orally before it was written down, it is impossible to nail down the exact authors and dates of many books of The Bible, every handwritten copy of The Bible is different from the rest, and there are many different translations of The Bible. Considering these few issues why is the Christian Bible treated as a reference of the word of God? |
Because of the impact that its words have had in the lives of many people -- convincing them that it is indeed from God.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Over a period of time, as I read the Bible, I grew increasingly convinced that what it said was true -- and that the picture of Christ that it presented was true.. and that Christ could be truly known (personally) by even me -- and I finally committed my life to Christ -- and have had numerous things happen in my life that have convinced me that the Bible is true, and that the Christian God does exist and that he is in daily relationship with me (as Father / child).
Cordially,
John
| From Chaosman (Q1272. Archived Wednesday, 30-Aug-2006, 1:16 pm. Skeptic) |
I've read the bible, but remain unconvinced. I do not discount the possibility that God may exist, or that some being that seems Godlike in nature exists, however, I will not put my faith in something that may or may not exist. What evidences should I be looking at to persuade me to have more faith? |
Intellectual and Scientific evidence.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm...
Cordially,
John
| From carolina_atheist (Q1264. Archived Wednesday, 30-Aug-2006, 1:16 pm. Skeptic) |
If heaven is the ultimate destination for Christians, and if after death Jesus wound up in heaven with his father, then what did God sacrifice? I could understand if Jesus died on the cross and went to hell for our sins. Now, that would be a sacrifice. But to wind up in a destination that everyone is trying to get to anyway, sorry I don't get it. Another thing I don't understand is a religion that promises everlasting life, and yet its most sacred symbol is a dead man hanging on a stick. I'm supposed to take such a religion seriously? |
What did God sacrifice ?
He voluntarily subjected himself to the experience of pain, suffering, scorn (on the cross).
Cordially,
John
| From man from utopia (Q1262. Archived Wednesday, 23-Aug-2006, 12:37 pm. Skeptic) |
|
If that will result in your salvation -- I apologize :)
The odds are that it wont (result in your salvation). So I take back my apology..
Any people who died in the Noahic flood were sinners who were in a state of constant rebellion against God -- they were not innocent.
The first-born Egyptian children below the age of innocence were taken by God to heaven (based on the doctrine of "age of innocence") where life is vastly superior to anything those children would have experienced in Egypt.
Cordially,
John
| From jc1129_us (Q1261. Archived Wednesday, 23-Aug-2006, 12:37 pm. Skeptic) |
|
ok :)
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From fiestygirl (Q1246. Archived Wednesday, 23-Aug-2006, 12:37 pm. Skeptic) |
And then say ppl who challenge God will go to hell. If God is so forgiving, why would he condemn his children to hell regardless of what they did? |
I think this happens with people of any worldview.
I come across a fair number of agnostics and atheists who get mad at Christians...
In response to your question...
God doesnt send people to hell regardless of what they did.
Hell provides the Just negative consequences (in eternity) for the evil/ harm the person committed during their life on earth.
Cordially,
John
| From T C (Q1241. Archived Monday, 21-Aug-2006, 12:42 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Nope.
Cordially,
John
| From azmurath (Q1236. Archived Monday, 21-Aug-2006, 12:42 pm. Skeptic) |
"I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things." (Isaiah 45:7) |
God permits Evil (in order to maintain free-will of his creatures).
The Hebrew idiom for this is to attribute ultimate responsibility to God (which is correct). The Christian God is not afraid to take responsibility for his creation.
We as humans often are.
Cordially,
John
| From T C (Q1233. Archived Monday, 21-Aug-2006, 12:42 pm. Skeptic) |
Is man such a disgrace unto God that only Lucifer The Just can save him? |
Man is a disgrace, but only Jesus can save him (not lucifer).
Cordially,
John
| From never.the.same (Q1224. Archived Friday, 18-Aug-2006, 5:59 pm. Skeptic) |
Christians think that their religion is the only right one and that they need to help everyone by converting them. Many of them try to say that we're going to hell if we don't accept Jesus as their savior. Don't they know that it's just plain annoying? Does anyone agree that christians need to mind their own business and just leave everyone else alone? |
ok :)
But what if Christianity is indeed true.. Would you rather be left in the dark?
No offense meant.
Cordially,
John
| From avalancas (Q1218. Archived Friday, 18-Aug-2006, 5:59 pm. Skeptic) |
I even choose their answer as the best i.d.i.o.t.ic. answer,ok |
Thank you :)
Cordially,
John
| From Moses_Santos_ii (Q1216. Archived Friday, 18-Aug-2006, 5:59 pm. Skeptic) |
You Christians are pathetic.....? But when I ask them a simple questions they just insult me. The christian thing to do would be to show me "christian love and point me towards god" Christianity is about biggotry and hipocrisy right?
Supposedly they believe in love thy neighbour. |
Thank you...
Cordially,
John
| From thedrommer (Q1215. Archived Friday, 18-Aug-2006, 5:59 pm. Skeptic) |
|
True Christians don't.
Cordially,
John
| From eljonez (Q1214. Archived Friday, 18-Aug-2006, 5:59 pm. Skeptic) |
This was part of a response to a prior question I asked about Christians being perfected once they arrive in their heaven - |
There is no sin in heaven.
We will not all be the same -- there will indeed be unity in diversity :)
There will be emotions (but not negative ones).
Jealousy?
No offense meant to anyone -- but consider a blonde and a brunette... if the blonde thinks the brunette is beautiful and she is not, the blonde could feel jealous of the brunette...
However in heaven if both blonde and brunette are incredibly beautiful (and neither feels less beautiful than the other) then there is no need for jealousy.
Another reason for jealousy is sexual attention... If there isnt sexual tensions in heaven, then that would eradicate the occasion for one cause for jealousy...
--
You wont be sad in heaven. But you could access the memory of having been sad on earth.
--
We will have emotions, therefore we will have personalities.
We will have the positive aspects of our personalities, without hte negative aspects.
--
Everyone will not be finally equal in heaven... there are different levels of rewards and recognition and responsibilities in heaven (depending on the lives the Christian lived on earth).
So heaven is not a communist state.
Cordially,
John
| From avalancas (Q1211. Archived Monday, 14-Aug-2006, 12:47 pm. Skeptic) |
Which hell is fighting to get me? |
Enjoyed your question/sense of humor :)
There is only one heaven and one hell...
If you prefer hell over heaven, that is your choice... and I respect your choice.
--
In case you might be interested some day in looking into going to the Christian heaven, see links below...
For a brief explanation of the gospel (of salvation through Jesus Christ), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.htm...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm...
Cordially,
John
| From eljonez (Q1195. Archived Thursday, 10-Aug-2006, 12:30 pm. Skeptic) |
When it would mean I would be forced to spend eternity with a bunch of stupid a**holes? To be stuck in the same place with ignorant Christians for all time sounds more like hell to me... |
You don't have to go to heaven if you dont want to.
Cordially,
John
| From bowhunk7627 (Q1187. Archived Thursday, 10-Aug-2006, 12:30 pm. Skeptic) |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/second_law_... |
Neither...
Entropy by itself is neither for nor against evolution.
Outside energy force = Sun (for example).
In a closed system, entropy increases over time (leading to decreasing order unlike what evolution is believed to do).
In an open system, where energy flow occurs from an outside source, local order can increase (effectively reducing entropy within the local system), however the overall entropy of the total system (which includes the outside energy source, e.g., the sun) is increasing.
The problem with evolution is not so much the increase in order, as rather the increase in information content.
There is no proof of mutation + natural selection creating information in quantities of greater than the rational probability limit (~10^-30 to ~10-^-50).
--
Having said that, it is worthwhile to note that...
There is no evidence that proves Atheistic MacroEvolution (without Intelligent Design)...
I used to believe in Evolution. However, over a period of time I have grown skeptical of the claims of Macro*Evolution... this is largely due to the weakness of the evidence for Macro*Evolution, and the fact that the evidence, rationally interpreted does not support the overarching claims made by Macro*Evolutionists...
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.ht... .
Cordially,
John
| From alaskabeyond (Q1185. Archived Thursday, 10-Aug-2006, 12:30 pm. Skeptic) |
Why is it so impossible in people's minds that we evolved over billions of years from a primordial ooze, if God was the ultimate creator of the Evolutionary process? Where does it say (unless you take Genesis literally) that the process of life has to be simple, created by the spoken word or the snap of a finger. |
Because... it is a mistake to think that Darwinism (in its various forms) thinks that God is involved. Darwinism is foundationally atheistic in nature.
--
Having said that...
There is no evidence that proves Atheistic MacroEvolution (without Intelligent Design)...
I used to believe in Evolution. However, over a period of time I have grown skeptical of the claims of Macro*Evolution... this is largely due to the weakness of the evidence for Macro*Evolution, and the fact that the evidence, rationally interpreted does not support the overarching claims made by Macro*Evolutionists...
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.html
Cordially,
John
| From snuffylover4 (Q1182. Archived Wednesday, 9-Aug-2006, 5:26 pm. Skeptic) |
Just think.debauchery,whips,chains,... lot! |
If you prefer hell, that is your choice indeed.
You are likely to be surprised though (at the absence of debauchery, whips, chains etc)...
Cordially,
John
| From ~Whatshername~ (Q1180. Archived Wednesday, 9-Aug-2006, 5:26 pm. Skeptic) |
Well you can change it, but why dont people understand that it's their decision to make, not yours...It doesn't matter if YOU think i'ts right, it matters what they think is right. I love the quote "Do you really think your maniacle ramblings are going to change my beliefs?!" |
People influence each others beliefs all the time.
Cordially,
John
| From Atheists_Rule (Q1171. Archived Tuesday, 8-Aug-2006, 9:31 pm. Skeptic) |
Christians and Muslims, dont try to pretend you're Atheist just to make us look bad |
I currently believe in God.
However, I used to be an Atheist. But, over a period of time, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From llmk08 (Q1168. Archived Thursday, 3-Aug-2006, 1:37 pm. Skeptic) |
What if instead of Jesus, Osiris is going to be the one judging us on the last judgment? What if Charon is the one that carries us to Hades? Or we just reincarnate? |
Then I dont have to worry... since if I follow Jesus I will do good (and avoid evil) in obeying him.
All other religions are works-religions (that salvation is by how many good things you do, and how many sins you avoid). So obeying Jesus (doing good, avoiding evil) will stand me in good stead with Osiris and/or Charon.
Same response regarding reincarnation.
Having said that... I have spent hundreds of hours (possibly thousands) investigating the major world views and religions of the world... and have come to the conclusion that Jesus is the highest revelation of the God of the universe.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm...
Cordially,
John
| From Landon H (Q1165. Archived Thursday, 3-Aug-2006, 1:37 pm. Skeptic) |
If God is all-powerful (or any being is all-powerful), can he create a stone that is so large and so heavy that even he cannot lift it? Or to put it a different way, can he cook a pizza so hot that even he can't eat it? Can he brew a liquor so violent that even he can't take a sip of it? Can he create an animal so ugly that even he can't look at it? For more info on this type of paradox, see Omnipotence Paradox on Wikipedia. |
No.
This by the way is a logical limitation on the concept of Omnipotence, not a limitation on the Christian God.
The Christian God is Logically Omnipotent (not absolutely Omnipotent). In other words, the Christian God can do anything that is logically possible.
The conundrum you mention above demonstrates that the concept of Absolute Omnipotence is Rationally Incoherent.
Nowhere does the Christian God claim to be Absolutely Omnipotent (particularly given that Absolute Omnipotence is rationally incoherent).
The Christian God is however Logically Omnipotent (as mentioned above).
Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
Cordially,
John
| From bowhunk7627 (Q1157. Archived Monday, 31-Jul-2006, 1:16 pm. Skeptic) |
I have had people tell me that God, through Jesus Christ, will forgive every sin except those that are willful. Isn't this just an excuse for a person's own self-righteousness? |
Good point for all of us to keep in mind.
When we truly/sincerely repent of a sin and confess it to God, he will forgive it.
A lifestlye of habitual sin is however evidence that the repentence is not sincere (and the sins will not be forgiven).
Cordially,
John
| From Ward (Q1149. Archived Tuesday, 25-Jul-2006, 10:55 pm. Skeptic) |
Why would God omit these from his message if these words are the foundations of faith? Everything should have been much clearer. |
The concepts of Trinity, Christianity and Bible are in the Bible.
Cordially,
John
| From Nuclear Wasp (Q1147. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 5:24 pm. Skeptic) |
|
No one.
God does not need a creator and here is why.
Rationally, anything that begins (or comes into existence) needs a cause (or a creator).
Science has "proved" (to the extent that science can prove anything) that the entire physical universe came into being a finite period of time ago.
IOW, the universe is not eternal. It did not always exist. Therefore it needs a cause (or creator).
That cause or creator is God.
It is not IRrational to state that God always existed (and so does not himself need a creator). That is because there never was a time when God did not exist. However there was a "metaphysical" time when our physical universe did not exist (and that is why the universe needs a creator, but God does not).
Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm)
Cordially,
John
| From Brianna_the_angel777 (Q1146. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 5:24 pm. Skeptic) |
why is it that everytime someone points out the bad things a christian does you make excuses? |
I am afraid you are mistaken.
The Christian God is a God who draws a balance between Love and Justice.
Without free-will there can not be freely given love.
Therefore (since the Christian God's purpose is to create creatures capable of loving each other and loving Him), there must be free-will for the creatures (us).
Given free-will some of us choose to do evil. This is called Sin.
Justice requires that the good I do is rewarded. And the evil I do (hurt to others etc) is punished. And the punishment must match the evil I did and/or the harm I inflicted. The punishment should neither be too light or too heavy (it should correctly match the harm I did). I.e., my negative actions should have negative consequences to me. And my positive actions should have positive consequences to me.
This is the reason for heaven (reward for good actions) and hell (consequence of bad actions).
Jesus dying on the cross has more than one reason. One reason is the substitionary atonement (which makes idiomatic/cultural sense to cultures where substitionary justice is accepted). Another reason, is God's apology to Humankind (for the pain he permits us to suffer, due to his permitting free-will). Another reason is God declaring Solidarity with us in our pain and suffering. Another reason is God experiencing the worst pain we will ever suffer so that we can not turn to him and say "who the heck are you to hold me accountable? You have never walked in my shoes..." He has (walked in our shoes).
For God to simply forgive sin, without any negative consequences to the sinner, would violate all forms of Justice. It would be consistent with Love, but inconsistent with Justice.
The Christian God is a God of Love AND a God of Justice. Hence the need to satisfy the requirements of both love and justice... E.g., like the judge whose son has committed a crime the just fine for which is $10,000. The Just Judge pronounces the fine, and then because his son can not pay, steps down, and pays his own hard earned money on behalf of his son so that his son can go free.
Also, contrary to Jason's statement above, there is good reason to infer that the Christian God exists. E.g., see below...
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Please contact me if you wish for more dialog or discussion.
Cordially,
John
| From Thom_i32 (Q1145. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 5:24 pm. Skeptic) |
Are you talking to me, boy? I think it's funny you are going to burn in Hell!!!! Is that "CHRISTian" enough for you? I laugh at your Eternity in Agony! I only wish I could meet you on the street, I would love to show you just how fragile you really are!!!! Just like a human.........Ignorant |
The person is either not a Christian (pretending to be a Christian to give Christianity a bad name), or a nominal Christian (a person who thinks they are a Christian but is not living in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ)...
They may not recognize that Jesus says that a person who claims to be a Christian but who does not obey his commands is not a true Christian (is not saved).
Cordially,
John
| From GhettoLiberty (Q1144. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 5:24 pm. Skeptic) |
Does religious indignation manifest more bad than good? Would an ethically educated athiest or agnostic be likely wage war against members of an opposing viewpoint? Has religion become a substitute for ethics? Do people understand the difference between the two? |
A person who is truly folling Jesus Christ will not personally carry out a violent act (as an individual).
Atheism (as a metaphysial worldview) is indifferent to individuals carrying out violent acts.
Atheists when in power, have killed 70 million to 100 million people just in the 20th century.
Cordially,
John
| From Memento Mori (Q1142. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 5:24 pm. Skeptic) |
(still looking for that loophole) |
Yes, if their repentance is truly sincere.
No, if they are looking for a loophole :)
Cordially,
John
| From Natsauqa (Q1137. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 5:24 pm. Skeptic) |
|
I believe in God because there is intellectual and scientific evidence for God (and because I have had personal experiences that confirm the existence of the Christian God).
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
Cordially,
John
| From Meta-morph (Q1136. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 5:24 pm. Skeptic) |
can you comply? |
Nice try... :)
Other deitie may condone professional lying, but the Christian God does not.
It was because I was no longer able to lie to myself that I ended up becoming a follwer of Christ.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
Cordially,
John
| From Memento Mori (Q1135. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 5:24 pm. Skeptic) |
|
The only unrepentable Sin is to make a lifetime habit of rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit (i..e, make a lifetime habit of rejecting the gospel of Jesus Christ).
For a brief explanation of the gospel (of salvation through Jesus Christ), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html
Cordially,
John
| From Top Man (Q1133. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 3:49 pm. Skeptic) |
well, there is Allah, there is the prophet Mohammed, there is Jesus Christ, there is some comet out there that people think is god. I mean the list goes on and on and on |
Only one true messiah. Jesus Christ.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Cordially,
John
| From Gary W (Q1132. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 3:49 pm. Skeptic) |
I asked this question in a different way recently, but wanted to give a more specific example to spark debate. The flu, and viruses in general are a perfect example of evolution in hyperspeed, because they have thousands of generations in the time it takes man to go through one generation. We all know that the flu is constantly "evolving" because there is always a "new strain" that gets people sick, even for those who got shots last year. And sometimes it mutates into a form that is downright deadly. How do Christians take these kinds of drugs, knowing they were created by scientists using their understanding of evolution to fight the disease and reconcile it against their disbelief in evolution. |
:)
Development of new viral strains is micro-evolution not MacroEvolution (notice that the virus does not evolve into a bacterium or into an elephant? -- that would be macroevolution if a virus evolved into an elephant)... :)
There is no evidence that proves Atheistic MacroEvolution (without Intelligent Design)...
I used to believe in Evolution. However, over a period of time I have grown skeptical of the claims of Macro*Evolution... this is largely due to the weakness of the evidence for Macro*Evolution, and the fact that the evidence, rationally interpreted does not support the overarching claims made by Macro*Evolutionists...
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.html
Cordially,
John
| From HuntJames32 (Q1128. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 3:49 pm. Skeptic) |
I am an atheist. does this mean to you, that i don't know the difference between right and wrong or good and evil, simply because i don't believe in gods or demons? |
No, the odds are that you do know the difference between good and evil, right and wrong.
However your knowledge does not arise as a rational logical consequence of Atheism
(but rather in part, because you were created by the Christian God with a conscience).
See below...
Moral Values and Accountability as Evidence for God : The Indispensability of Theological Meta-Ethical Foundations for Morality: Theism and naturalism are contrasted with respect to furnishing an adequate foundation for the moral life. It is shown that on a theistic worldview an adequate foundation exists for the affirmation of objective moral values, moral duties, and moral accountability. By contrast, naturalism fails in all three respects. Insofar as we believe that moral values and duties do exist, we therefore have good grounds for believing that God exists. Moreover, a practical argument for believing in God is offered on the basis of moral accountability.
from http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/god.html and links therein.
Cordially,
John
| From FreeThought (Q1123. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 3:49 pm. Skeptic) |
As usual a theist has made a sweeping claim without backing it up with a source, a name of a survey, nothing. |
In my experience, the claimed contradictions are because of linguistic or cultural misunderstandings.
Can we believe the Bible? See http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/bible.html
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
Cordially,
John
| From Lord Vader Sith Master (Q1122. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 3:49 pm. Skeptic) |
As usual a theist has made a sweeping claim without backing it up with a source, a name of a survey, nothing. |
I have spent many years looking into the major religions and worldviews (including Atheism).
I conclude that there is some truth in all worldviews ... however I have come to the conclusion that the Christianity of the New Testament is the highest truth of all of these worldviews.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
Cordially,
John
| From SecularHumanist23 (Q1121. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 3:49 pm. Skeptic) |
As usual a theist has made a sweeping claim without backing it up with a source, a name of a survey, nothing. |
Interesting -- I notice sweeping claims in your post above without backing the claim up with a source :)
One of the most influential intellectual atheists in the world has been Prof Anthony Flew (for about 50 years) -- writing many articles and books defending Atheism and attacking Theism... Within the last couple of years or so, he has come to believe in the existence of a deistic God -- in part due to the evidence for Intelligent Design (re the creation of first life, and possibly in part due to the influence of the Scientific Evidence for the fine-tuning of the Universe.)
Also, in response to a couple of other Atheist comments -- please note that ...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
Here are sources that refered to Atheism on the decline:
1. "Analysis: Atheism in America", Simon Scott, Weekend Edition, January 10, 2004 (info/article was on internet in 2004 -- http://www.highbeam.com)
2. "Analysis: Atheism Worldwide in Decline", United Press International, copyright 2005 (info/article was on internet in 2005 -- http://www.washtimes.com)
3. "Atheism becoming Less Popular", CBN News, March 7, 2005 (info/article was on internet in March 2005 -- http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews)
Cordially,
John
| From OldManOnTheMountain (Q1118. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 3:49 pm. Skeptic) |
So many religious quotes have been posted. |
Atheism :)
If you would like to find a rational worldview, please do look into Theism (and Christian Theism in particular).
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life ato Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
Cordially,
John
| From Adkit (Q1116. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 3:49 pm. Skeptic) |
Creationists keep talking about how the theory of evolution is just a theory because we werent there and we have "no proof". How can they say that their theory, that God created mankind, is the truth? They always want to shove the "truth" in other peoples faces but when scientists come out with a theory they go "no that's wrong, this is how it is". |
Ok.
Actually the evidence (impartially viewed) is more in favor of Intelligent Design than in favor of Atheistic MacroEvolutionism.
There is no evidence that proves Atheistic MacroEvolution (without Intelligent Design).
I used to believe in Evolution. However, over a period of time I have grown skeptical of the claims of Macro*Evolution... this is largely due to the weakness of the evidence for Macro*Evolution, and the fact that the evidence, rationally interpreted does not support the overarching claims made by Macro*Evolutionists.
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.html
Cordially,
John
| From Fluffy (Q1112. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 3:49 pm. Skeptic) |
I am gay and I am not really a Christian. Too Corrupt for me. But When is enough, enough? Here is the scenerio.. You spout off to a homosexual they are going to hell and state that I should be killed. Most likely I am not the first you have told this too.. You ask for forgiveness at church.. I don't though that it is a free pass.. It seems like that privilege should be revoked if you haven't learned to stop hate after so many attempts. Especially stating something like that to me, I am a very gentle person and I try to love everyone. I think god created homosexuals to put people's faith to the test. He doesn't make mistakes. Love Will Change the World. |
Forgiveness is not a free pass.
Sincere repentance and turning to God is necessary for Salvation.
(sincerity is demonstrated by our best effort to turn away from habitual sin)
Cordially,
John
| From Atheists_Rule (Q1111. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 1:20 pm. Skeptic) |
No bias answers please |
Atheism :)
It is a myth that there is no evidence for God.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
Cordially,
John
| From Adkit (Q1109. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 1:20 pm. Skeptic) |
I don't believe in God, mainly because I think he acts like a pr***. But from what I know, you don't have to LIKE God to go to heaven, you just have to believe in him and not sin. So Even if you hate him you still go to heaven? |
No. You can not go to heaven if you hate God...
For a brief explanation of the gospel (of salvation through Jesus Christ), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.htm...
It is not sufficient to just "intellectually believe" in God to be saved. There has to be sincere repentance for our sins and a turning away from them (as we commit our lives to Christ).
It is true however that if you have never ever sinned in your life, then you will go to heaven (but I can guarantee you that if that is the case in your life, and you are past the age of innocence, you are the only adult human who has ever accomplished this feat)... In that case, my hat's off to you...
Cordially,
John
| From General Zod (Q1108. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 1:20 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Neither prostitute nor wife of Jesus ...
Cordially,
John
| From Atheists_Rule (Q1107. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 1:20 pm. Skeptic) |
Most Atheists were former Theists but they questioned it and discovered it's not true and disagreed |
Atheists :)
I was brought up and influenced by an Atheist dad...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
Cordially,
John
| From Tutor5001 (Q1106. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 1:20 pm. Skeptic) |
"Jesus used Semitic Hyperbole to make his points (that was an accepted teaching method in the Semitic cultures of his timeframe)." |
Semitic Hyperbole was a teaching technique commonly used in the Semitic Cultures of that time.
Jesus' use of such Hyperbole is consistent with the culture of his time (and would have been understood by his listeners).
Cordially,
John
| From SecularHumanist23 (Q1105. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 1:20 pm. Skeptic) |
Please in your answer tell me what your own religion is. |
A minority of people are Atheists (an estimated 4% worldwide from 1994 estimates).
People with no religion still tend to believe in God (not all of them are Atheists), and shouldnt be lumped together with Atheists. Agnostics dont know if there is a God (and should not be lumped together with Atheists).
More recent Gallup poll estimates in the US indicate that about 0.4% of Americans view themselves as Atheists (source: "Analysis: Atheism in America," Simon Scott, Weekend Edition, January 10, 2004)
There is evidence that atheism is actually on the decline for instance (in part because more people are becoming aware of the evidence for the existence of God).
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
--
Based on adherents (from posts on this thread)-
1.1 billion people categorised as secular / non-religious / agnostic / atheist.
Note:
1. Secular -- does not mean the people do not believe in God;
2. Non-religious -- The majority of people who classify themselves as non-religious are not Atheists (they believe in the existence of some kind of God or the other, but do not participate in an organized church or religion).
3. Agnostics are not Atheists.
Consiering non-theistic faiths:
394 million Chinese traditional religions
These religions believe in the existence of the Supernatural (including spirits; God would be viewed as the highest spirit; so it is invalid to include these among atheists).
376 million Buddhists
The majority of folk Buddhists do believe in spirits (the highest of which would be God); and a very large number of Buddhists believe in polytheistic gods (remember that Buddhism was an attempt at reformation of polytheistic Hinduism).
The other forms of Buddhists are not classical Atheists -- since they believe in a supernatural (that can be reached by meditation) and ultimately the majority of Buddhists believe in an eternal state which is called Nirvana (basically a Hindu concept) or a variant on Nirvana -- not an Atheistic concept...
So adding Buddhists to Atheism would attempt to be an effort to inflate the numbers...
19 million Juche
In Juche, the people were to worship the dictator of N.Korea and his father (who is now dead). This is not a true form of Atheism. And the bulk of the people dont follow Juche voluntarily -- they are forced to follow this religion by their nominally Atheist leaders.
15 million Spiritism
Spiritism believes in the existence of Spirits and the supernatural. The highest spirit would be God. So it is not valid to include Spiritists among Atheists.
2 million Tenrikyo
This is not a form of classical atheism either...
800,000 Unitarian Universalists
I attended the Unitarian Universalist church for a while. The majority of the Unitarian Universalists in the church believed in the existence of some God or the other... If there were any atheists, they were a small minority. Furthermore I have not seen any official statement from the Unitarian Universalist church to say that they are atheist in their theology.
-----
One of the most influential intellectual atheists in the world has been Prof Anthony Flew (for about 50 years) -- writing many articles and books defending Atheism and attacking Theism... Within the last couple of years or so, he has come to believe in the existence of a deistic God -- in part due to the evidence for Intelligent Design (re the creation of first life, and possibly in part due to the influence of the Scientific Evidence for the fine-tuning of the Universe.)
Also, in response to a couple of other Atheist comments -- please note that ...
As mentioned above, I used to be an atheist. But over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Also, for scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
Here are sources that refered to Atheism on the decline:
1. "Analysis: Atheism in America", Simon Scott, Weekend Edition, January 10, 2004 (info/article was on internet in 2004 -- http://www.highbeam.com)
2. "Analysis: Atheism Worldwide in Decline", United Press International, copyright 2005 (info/article was on internet in 2005 -- http://www.washtimes.com)
3. "Atheism becoming Less Popular", CBN News, March 7, 2005 (info/article was on internet in March 2005 -- http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews)
Cordially,
John
| From Ed Sawyer (Q1104. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 1:20 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Nope :)
There is no evidence that proves Atheistic MacroEvolution (without Intelligent Design)...
I used to believe in Evolution. However, over a period of time I have grown skeptical of the claims of Macro*Evolution... this is largely due to the weakness of the evidence for Macro*Evolution, and the fact that the evidence, rationally interpreted does not support the overarching claims made by Macro*Evolutionists...
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.html
Cordially,
John
| From Tutor5001 (Q1101. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 12:26 pm. Skeptic) |
1) And Jesus answered and said to them, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:21-22 NAS) |
You are mistaken.
1. The bulk of these statments were made by Jesus to his disciples (not to all human beings).
2. Note that Jesus used Semitic Hyperbole to make his points (that was an accepted teaching method in the Semitic cultures of his timeframe). His listeners would recognize that he was using Semitic Hyperbole and that neither he nor they intended (or understood) the statements to be a 100% literal.
Jesus is saying that we should have faith and trust in the Christian God. And that if we pray (while living in obedience to Christ, while trusting him wholeheartedly), God will answer our prayers. This is generally true in the lives of committed Christians. There are individual prayers that God chooses to not grant (because they might destroy our character, or because God permits us to undergo some specific sufering for the development of our character).
Cordially,
John
| From Deborah (Q1100. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 12:26 pm. Skeptic) |
I notice that alot of people find all these scriptures that they think discredit the Christian faith, but if they took the time to read the entire chapter, they would understand or maybe not. People have been trying to discredit the Word of God for centuries and it is still on the best seller list after all this time. |
Good point...
Cordially,
John
| From Finalf (Q1099. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 12:26 pm. Skeptic) |
I would rather live like Jesus than be "Christian".......Just believe in Jesus and that's it....Jesus...factually did exist...what is there to believe in?.....Jesus is the son of God...just like we all are......what is there to believe?....so we can all do whatever we want and then just "ask" for forgiveness.....this bullsh*t fundamentalism reads like a lawyer wrote it....what about being a good person?........and the idea of "our" God being the only God is blashemy in itself......their is only one God....so why can't Alah be the same God......(which is what I believe)....why can't God/Alah transfigure himself for a number of people of different religions to know and understand?......If you have no bullsh*t answers......like something you memorized.......go for it...think for yourself...or else be a sell-out.... |
I do recommend that you live like Jesus (rather than "be a Christian").
Jesus says for us to believe his message (e.g., for a brief explanation of the gospel (of salvation through Jesus Christ), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html)
But it is not sufficient to just believe... we have to truly and sincerely repent of our sins and commit our lives to Christ. Our commitment to obey Jesus' commandments is a measure of our sincerity.
You are right that there is only one God. That God is the Christian God.
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
Cordially,
John
| From Ivor S (Q1098. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 12:26 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Yes, we can.
I do believe that God exists (the Christian God).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Cordially,
John
| From Andreazg03 (Q1097. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 12:26 pm. Skeptic) |
Is it only an education ( parents or school) ? |
I believe in God.
In response to your question for me it was not "only an education" that led me to Theism... see below...
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Cordially,
John
| From Liq_wid2002 (Q1096. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 12:26 pm. Skeptic) |
|
In response to your question...
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... ).
Cordially,
John
| From Lois_the_Apostate (Q1095. Archived Saturday, 8-Jul-2006, 12:26 pm. Skeptic) |
Some Christians say that hell is all about being eternally separated from God. |
Good questions :)
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1.) Some Christians say that hell is all about being eternally separated from God. How is this possible if, as the Bible claims, God is everywhere? Wouldn't he be in hell, also?
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God is indeed everywhere. So he is present in Hell. "Separation from God" is a metaphor for "separation from the love of God".
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2.) Why is it such a big deal? The majority of humans don't worship BibleGod, anyway, so being separated from him would be no different than it is now.
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All humans (no matter what their religion) experience the blessings and the mercy of the Christian God while in this life -- even if they take his blessings and mercy for granted and spit in his face.
Good things happen to all people, whether Christian or not. All good, and all good things on earth, ultimately come from the Christian God (either by his express doing, or by his permission).
In hell, people experience the justice of God (much more so than the love of God -- which we experience in our lives today). In hell, people will experience negative consequences that are proportional to how evil their lives were on earth (and this includes the extent to which they rejected the Christian God etc).
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3.) If hell also involves eternal torture, then what, exactly, is going to BE tortured? Souls are immaterial entities without nerves or brains, so they don't feel pain. What difference does it make if they get tossed into fire?
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Souls are conscious entities (even apart from the body).
Even if a soul can not experience physical pain, it can still experience emotional pain.
Analogy: if you were conscious, but heavily anesthetized so you can not feel any physical pain. Given that you are conscious, you can still experience emotional pain. This shows that a being can experience emotional pain even if it can not experience physical pain.
Having said that, it is rationally possible for a soul to have alternate interfaces with external reality (analogous to our nerves and touch/pain sensors) even in the absence of a physical body (in the sense that we know of a physical body).
Cordially,
John
| From Furious Chemical (Q1094. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 10:55 pm. Skeptic) |
Two schools of thought...God or no God. Which is guilty of being wrong? Look at the two opposing beliefs critically like a detective; who has a reason to believe (motive), the chance to promote the belief (opportunity), and the ability to promote the belief (means)? |
Interesting post...
Atheism can equally be said to be something people would make up (no God to hold you accountable to any moral standards; no absolute right and wrong; the Darwinian prime directive being to reproduce and spread your genes -- justification for sexual license etc)...
Theism vs Atheism?
This universe has many features that make more sense in the light of Theism (rather than Atheism).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Cordially,
John
| From KindaBroken (Q1088. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 10:55 pm. Skeptic) |
Well, technically I'm only part atheist....but... still.. |
An Atheist can become a Christian...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
--
Regarding an Atheist and a Christian being together (in relationship)... that is not advisable...
(From Sabrina S).
2Co 6:14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?
Jo 1:5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.
1Jo 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;
1Jo 1:7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1Jo 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
Mat 7:13 "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
Mat 7:14 "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Mat 7:15 "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Mat 7:16 "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
Mat 7:17 "So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
Mat 7:18 "A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
Mat 7:19 "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Mat 7:20 "So then, you will know them by their fruits.
Mat 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
Mat 7:22 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'
Mat 7:23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
Mat 7:24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Mat 7:25 "And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
Mat 7:26 "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
Mat 7:27 "The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell--and great was its fall."
Cordially,
John
| From Sweetmuslimah (Q1086. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 10:55 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Yes, I do.
I have read the Quran and have read a lot of the Hadiths and have had many discussions with Muslim friends and acquaintances.
Cordially,
John
| From Omra (Q1085. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 10:55 pm. Skeptic) |
|
All worldviews have people of varying degrees of intelligence.
There are many Hindus who are committing their lives to Jesus Christ.
I came across a Hindu woman who had received voice training, and loved to sing. She used to sing songs for romantic movies (in her native language). Gradually, however she felt that she was abusing her talent by singing for movies (which didnt inspire people) and she should start singing to bring people closer to God. So she started doing this, singing songs to the Hindu gods, recording audio-tapes of such songs and selling them (to help people grow in devotion to the Hindu gods). As she did this, she felt a strange sense of incompletion (something missing) in her worship of the Hindu gods. Still she continued with her singing and her devotion to the Hindu gods. And one day, a friend of hers (who knew she loved to sing devotional songs) gave her a devotional tape in her native language. When she took the tape home and started listening to it, she realized that the devotional songs were sung to a god named Yesu (Jesus). She listened to the tape, and the songs captivated her. So she started singing those songs as well, and went on to acquire more of such tapes, listened to them, sang those songs, and over a period of time, learned the gospel of Yesu (Jesus Christ) through the songs... and ultimately committed her life to Christ.
For more examples of Hindus coming to Christ, see
http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/00.html
Cordially,
John
| From kraljicatabiaa (Q1083. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 10:55 pm. Skeptic) |
I'm a Muslim..and I am very happy with my religion..and of course I think it is the most perfect!! |
I agree that we should respect one another.
I am submitted to God through the teachings of the prophet Isa.
True Bible-based Christianity teaches us how to submit ourselves to the God of the Universe, through the teachings of the Prophet Isa (pbuh) as presented in the Injil.
For a brief explanation of the good news (of salvation through the the teachings of the Prophet Isa in the Injil), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html
---
From Adamray...
Here's how a Christian should witness to a Muslim. Hope you learn something from it!
How to Witness to Muslims
In Acts 17:22–31 the apostle Paul built on areas of "common ground" as he prepared his listeners for the good news of the gospel. Even though he was addressing Gentiles whose beliefs were erroneous, he didn’t rebuke them for having a doctrine of devils— "The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God" (1 Corinthians 10:20). Neither did he present the great truth that Jesus of Nazareth was Almighty God manifest in human form. This may have initially offended his hearers and closed the door to the particular knowledge he wanted to convey. Instead, he built on what they already knew. He first established that there is a Creator who made all things. He then exposed their sin of transgression of the First and Second of the Ten Commandments. Then he preached future punishment for sin.
There are three main areas of common ground upon which Christians may stand with Muslims. First, that there is one God—the Creator of all things. The second area is the fact that Jesus of Nazareth was a prophet of God. The Bible makes this clear: "And He shall send Jesus Christ,…For Moses truly said to the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up to you of your brethren, like to me; him shall you hear in all things whatsoever he shall say to you" (Acts 3:20–22). The Qur’an (Koran) says: "Behold! The angel said ‘O Mary! Allah giveth you Glad Tidings of a word from Him. His name will be (Christ Jesus) the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah’" (Surah 3:45). In Surah 19:19, the angel said to Mary, "I am only a messenger of thy Lord to announce to you a gift of a holy son." Surah 3:55 says, "Allah said: ‘O Jesus! I will take you and raise you to Myself." It is because of these and other references to Jesus in the Qur’an that a Muslim will not object when you establish that Jesus was a prophet from God.
This brings us to the third area of common ground. Muslims also respect Moses as a prophet of God. Therefore, there should be little contention when Christians speak of God (as Creator), Jesus the prophet, and the Law of the prophet Moses. Most Muslims do have some knowledge of their sinfulness, but few see sin in its true light. It is therefore essential to take them through the spiritual nature of the Ten Commandments. While it is true that the Law of Moses begins with, "I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other gods before Me," it may be unwise to tell a Muslim, at that point, that Allah is a false god. Such talk may close the door before you are able to speak to his conscience. It is wise rather to present the Law in a similar order in which Jesus gave it in Luke 18:20. He addressed the man’s sins of the flesh. He spoke directly to sins that have to do with his fellow man.
Therefore, ask your hearer if he has ever told a lie. When (if) he admits that he has, ask him what that makes him. Don’t call him a liar. Instead, gently press him to tell you what someone is called who has lied. Try to get him to say that he is a "liar." Then ask him if he has ever stolen something, even if it’s small. If he has, ask what that makes him (a thief). Then quote from the Prophet Jesus: "Whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:27). Ask if he has ever looked at a woman with lust. If he is reasonable, he will admit that he has sinned in that area. Then gently tell him that, by his own admission, he is a "lying, thieving adulterer-at-heart." Say, "If God judges you by the Law of Moses on Judgment Day, will you be innocent or guilty?"
At this point, he will more than likely say that he will be innocent, because he confesses his sins to God. However, the Qur’an says: "Every soul that has sinned, if it possessed all that is on earth, would fain give it in ransom" (Surah 10:54). In other words, if he possessed the whole world and offered it to God as a sacrifice for his sins, it wouldn’t be enough to provide atonement for his sins. Imagine that a criminal is facing a 50,000 fine. He is penniless, so he sincerely tells the judge that he is sorry for a crime and vows never to do it again. The judge won’t let him go on the basis of his sorrow, or his vow never to commit the crime again. Of course, he should be sorry for what he has done, and of course, he shouldn’t break the law again. The judge will, however, let him go if someone else pays the fine for him.
Now tell him that Moses gave instructions to Israel to shed the blood of a spotless lamb to provide a temporary atonement for their sin; and that Jesus was the Lamb that God provided to make atonement for the sins of the world. Through faith in Jesus, he can have atonement with God. All his sin can be washed away—once and for all. God can grant him the gift of everlasting life through faith in Jesus Christ on the basis of His death and resurrection.
The uniqueness of Jesus of Nazareth was that He claimed He had power on earth to forgive sins (Matthew 9:2–6). No other prophet of any of the great religions made this claim. Only Jesus can provide peace with God. This is why He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
God commands sinners to repent and trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, or they will perish. To try to justify himself, your listener may say something like, "The Bible has changed. It has been altered. There are many different versions, but the Koran has never changed." Explain to him that there are many different versions, printed in different languages and in modern English, to help people understand the Bible, but the content of the Scriptures remains the same. The Dead Sea Scrolls prove that God has preserved the Scriptures.
Tell him that the 100% accurate prophecies of Matthew 24, Luke 21, and 2 Timothy 3 prove that this is the Book of the Creator. Your task is to present the truth of the gospel. It is God who makes it come alive (1 Corinthians 3:6,7). It is God who brings conviction of sin (John 16:7,8). It is God who reveals who Jesus is (Matthew 16:16,17). All God requires is your faithful presentation of the truth (Matthew 25:21).
http://livingwaters.com
http://myspace.com/forrey
Cordially,
John
| From Niya (Q1082. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 9:49 pm. Skeptic) |
According to Qur’aan |
The Prophet Isa (phub) will return one day to judge the entire world.
Cordially,
John
| From Just_a_guy (Q1081. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 9:49 pm. Skeptic) |
|
No.
This by the way is a logical limitation on the concept of Omnipotence, not a limitation on the Christian God.
The Christian God is Logically Omnipotent (not absolutely Omnipotent). In other words, the Christian God can do anything that is logically possible.
The conundrum you mention above demonstrates that the concept of Absolute Omnipotence is Rationally Incoherent.
Nowhere does the Christian God claim to be Absolutely Omnipotent (particularly given that Absolute Omnipotence is rationally incoherent).
The Christian God is however Logically Omnipotent (as mentioned above).
Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
Cordially,
John
| From Becky (Q1080. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 9:49 pm. Skeptic) |
Ok, I am not completely familiar with everything in the muslim religion. |
Good question...
to which I have not seen a good answer anywhere.
Cordially,
John
| From DrAtheist (Q1079. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 9:49 pm. Skeptic) |
A world with pain, death, illness, hunger and all the bad things... it seems that this God is quite imperfect, so we reach the conclusion that the God people pray is imperfect... or doesnt exist... so it's time to become ateisth.... come on it's good for you!! |
God being perfect in no way mandates that he create a perfect world.
There appears to be a breakdown of logic here...
In other words, the existence of an imperfect world does not necessitate that God the creator is imperfect.
Cordially,
John
| From Bad_Jes (Q1078. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 9:49 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Sounds like a "have you stopped beating your wife" question :)
It is a common myth among internet Atheists that Theists are dumb...
Many of us (Christian Theists) have spent years of our lives searching for Truth, and have come to the reasoned, reasonable and rational conclusion that the Christian God exists...
We didnt come to this conclusion because we were dumb... but rather because we used our intelligence and rationality to search for Truth... and we went where the evidence led us (rather than having some predetermined atheistic agenda)...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
After you read the articles linked to above, if you still think I am dumb, that is your prerogative.
Cordially,
John
| From iam_an_elf (Q1076. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 9:49 pm. Skeptic) |
I mean it can't be because your moms keep teling u that christianity is good, is it? |
I was an atheist because I was taught (by people I respected and Atheist authors that I read) that Christians and other Theists are stupid, and that Belief in God (Faith in God) is for weak-minded weak-willed people of questionable character.
Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
Cordially,
John
| From naina_k_s (Q1075. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 9:49 pm. Skeptic) |
so many ppl convey other religion today... what make u convey tht???? |
I am a Christian. I try to convey the love of Christ to others (in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ).
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Cordially,
John
| From Rocko (Q1074. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 9:49 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Sounds like Hawking is at least sometimes an Agnostic...
Some of his quotes can be understood as being open to the existence of God (and some appear open to the non-existence of God).
A relevant note: Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence..html
Here are a couple of quotes from Hawking:
"... it seems that Einstein was doubly wrong when he said, 'God does not play dice.' Not only does God definitely play dice, but He sometimes confuses us by throwing them where they can't be seen..."
"... Thus the future of the universe is not completely determined by the laws of science, and at its present state, as Laplace thought. God still has a few tricks up his sleeve..." --Stephen Hawking.
Cordially,
John
| From djohnsonma (Q1070. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 9:49 pm. Skeptic) |
Christians have to realize it was God that sent Jesus to save us from our sins. We should thank God in the name of Jesus, through Jesus we can speak to God. Wonder why your prayers are not being answered? |
To pray to Jesus is to pray to God. To pray in Jesus name is to pray to God.
There is only one God, the Christian God.
He manifests himself in three personas/persons/manifestation... for the purposes of the redemption of, and relationship with, human beings.
Contrary to what some people say, there is nothing irrational or illogical about this concept (of the Trinity).
For an explanation (and defense) of the doctrine of the Trinity, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/sect/doc/trinity.html
Cordially,
John
| From locomexican89 (Q1069. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 9:49 pm. Skeptic) |
this i guess is for christians, jews, jehova's witnesses (all have the same god), your god is supposed to be omniscient (all knowing) and omnipotent(all powerful) now if he knows everyithn and can do anything there is a contradiction. If he knows the future can he change it? |
Yes.
Cordially,
John
| From Atheists_Rule (Q1068. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 9:49 pm. Skeptic) |
CHRISTIANS, YOU CAN'T LIE ON US THIS TIME BECAUSE IM AN ATHEIST |
Enjoyed your post :)
I am a Christian by the way...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Cordially,
John
| From RT (Q1067. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 9:49 pm. Skeptic) |
Do you not realize, that every other holy book "says so?" |
I hope some of the resources on the following link are useful in addressing your question --
Can we believe the Bible? See http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/bible.html
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Cordially,
John
| From nkiblueeyes (Q1064. Archived Wednesday, 5-Jul-2006, 9:49 pm. Skeptic) |
|
The Christian God created us to be in relationship with Him (a parent-child relationship centered on mutual love).
Worship is our telling God that we love him, and that we hold him in reverence and respect.
Respect and awe is an appropriate response from us to God (given God's character and incredible abilities).
Cordially,
John
| From Atheists will Rule (Q1063. Archived Monday, 3-Jul-2006, 10:40 am. Skeptic) |
Christians say "life" is proof that God exist. Is God's existence, "proof" that something had to make God? |
There is a foundational assumption/axiom behind your question. That axiom is "Everything that exists needs a cause."
That axiom is however irrational.
Why? Because if we say that everything that exists needs a cause, and we then track the train of causality backwards to the "first thing that existed"... we can then ask the question "what created that first thing"... and if your axiom is correct, then the answer is that something that does not exist created the first thing that existed...
That is however an irrational (illogical) answer.
This reasoning indicates that the axiom ( "Everything that exists needs a cause") is foundationally flawed / irrational / illogical.
---
So what is a better axiom? One that is not foundationally flawed / irrational / illogical?
A better axiom: "Everything that comes into Being needs a cause outside of itself".
An alternate phrasing: "Everything that comes into Existence needs a cause outside of itself".
--
So, let us apply this Rational Axiom to the physical universe.
Modern Science has proved that the physical universe (ALL matter, energy, space, time) came into existence at the Big Bang about 14 billion years ago.
Science has therefore proved that the physical universe came into being/ came into existence.
Combining this information with the Rational Axiom above, we see that the Physical universe needs a Cause that is outside of itself.
Since ALL matter-energy-space-time came into existence at the Big Bang, this means that the Cause has to be NOT matter/energy/space/time. Given that Nature is defined as matter/energy/space/time, this means that the First Cause has to be outside of Nature.
Therefore by definition, the First Cause has to be SuperNatural.
This Supernatural First Cause is the Christian God.
---
But what about God? Who or what created God?
The answer is that the Christian God always existed.
There was never a time when the Christian God did not exist. So the Christian God never came into existence; he always existed.
Looking at the rational axiom -- "Everything that comes into Being needs a cause outside of itself" -- notice that it says that a thing needs a cause outside of itself ONLY IF that thing came into being.
Given that the Christian God never came into being (since he always existed), the Christian God does not need a cause outside of himself.
This is why the physical universe needs a cause outside of itself (because it came into existence a finite time-period ago) whereas the Christian God does not need a cause outside of himself (because he always existed; he did not come into existence a finite time-period ago).
---
For more info:
For a discussion of the Big Bang and its Theistic implications, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/bigbang.html
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/god.htm
I used to be an Atheist. Over a period of time however I became convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately I committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html for a description of this process).
Cordially,
John
| From Alia K (Q1062. Archived Sunday, 2-Jul-2006, 11:52 pm. Skeptic) |
Tell me your opinion. |
I believe that the Supernatural does exist.
Having said that, witchcraft (of any kind) is playing with fire -- playing with demons, spirits who are in rebellion against the Christian God... these demons can disguise themselves as beautiful angels of light (ascended masters, animal guides, loving aliens, dead people, our dead pets etc) with the intention of deceiving us and leading us away from the Christian God.
Caveat Emptor (i.e., let the buyer beware).
Cordially,
John
| From Red Yeti (Q1060. Archived Sunday, 2-Jul-2006, 11:52 pm. Skeptic) |
Drug use, destroying the enviroment, etc.... |
Good point.
I confess that I am skeptical of the alleged ability of "survival of the fittest" to explain all of the characteristics (or all of the major characteristics) of life that we observe around us.
After reading and studying this topic (evolution) for hundreds of hours, I have come to the reasonable conclusion that Micro*Evolution is correct, and Macro*Evolution is wrong.
What I have found is...
Ultimately people believe in Evolution because they want to believe that God does not exist and/or he did not participate in creating life on earth.
There is evidence for Micro*Evolution (adaptation; change within species; limited speciation).
However there is no real evidence/ proof for Macro*Evolution (unguided formation of completely new body plans/ phyla; unguided formation of completely new complex organs).
I used to be an atheist and used to believe in Macro*Evolution. (Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html)
And over time, I grew increasingly disillusioned with Macro*Evolution as well. E.g. for scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.html
I recognize now that Macro*Evolution is basically an Atheist Faith (and is held to by Atheist or Deist Faith).
Cordially,
John
| From Lakota Bob (Q1059. Archived Sunday, 2-Jul-2006, 11:52 pm. Skeptic) |
Killing on the offence or defence of war, is still "killing." |
The role of government is different from the role of individuals.
As individuals (Christians), we should not take personal revenge (or vengeance) for any harms done to us.
However the responsibility of government is to rule justly, and to protect their citizens from harm (harm which can arise from the actions of their own citizens, or from the actions of the citizens of other countries, or the governments of other countries).
If our government does not protect our citizens they are shirking their duty and responsibility. So it is not the role of government to be Pacifist at all costs. Sometimes the government has to wield force to defend its citizens.
Having said that, there is room within democracy for debate over when and where force is to be used.
Cordially,
John
| From B-Mar (Q1058. Archived Sunday, 2-Jul-2006, 11:21 pm. Skeptic) |
people always blame the stupid things they do on G-d, like killing someone because it is His will, but no one really knows what He is thinking, even religious leaders are supposed to "interperate" what G-d is saying. It seems like know one truely sees religion for what it is: a scapegoat. Something to blame everything bad that happens on, and thank when good things happen. Why can't people give themselves credit for these things, good or bad, instead of a ghost. Maybe we are all just crazy. |
Excellent question.
People do often use religion as a scapegoat or as an excuse... but this is true of many other excuses people use to excuse away their evil actions...
However the fact that some people use religion as an excuse does not mean that Religion in general (or Christianity in particular) is wrong.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
If interested, for a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
And, for scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
Cordially,
John
| From Bgdadyp (Q1055. Archived Sunday, 2-Jul-2006, 11:04 pm. Skeptic) |
If I promise to not down you because you are Christian will you promise to respect me even though I'm not? I mean there is way to much name calling and what not on the internet so if I promise to stop will you support me in this? |
Excellent suggestion. I wish everyone on the internet would follow your suggestion.
I fully support you in attempting to maintain civil discourse on the internet (on topics of worldviews) without indulging in insults.
I have never insulted you or put you down, and I promise to do my best to never do so in the future either.
I respect your choice to reject the Christian God.
Having said that... just for your awareness...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
And if you might be interested in looking into these topics...
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm
And for scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
Cordially,
John
Cordially,
John
| From Symorebitts (Q1051. Archived Sunday, 2-Jul-2006, 3:31 pm. Skeptic) |
was it to control the masses of the ignorant in early times? |
No, religion was not invented to control the masses of the ignorant.
Human beings have something within us which draws us to the supernatural and to the existence of God. Religions are a consequence of this something.
The Bible refers to this something as "God has placed Eternity in their hearts."
Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm)
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Cordially,
John
| From Mark_intotdeauna (Q1050. Archived Saturday, 1-Jul-2006, 9:39 pm. Skeptic) |
oh, and by the way, what's the meaning of life? |
An allusion to Douglas Adams -- one of his books; was it a Hitch-hikers Guide to the Galaxy ?
--
The meaning of Life, the Universe and Everything... :)
The Christian God indicates that one reason why he created the Universe, was for life to exist, and for humans to exist.
Our Universe is His "art project"; that is why it is so incredibly beautiful. And our Universe is His "scientific and engineering" creation; that is why it is so full of science and engineering, and we are learning this as we crawl in his footsteps via mathematics, physics, cosmology and molecular biology.
Earth is boot-camp for humans to come into relationship with him, and then for our experiences to provide opportunities for us to grow.
We fulfill the purpose for which God created us when we choose to come into relationship with the Christian God (based on what Jesus did for us on the cross)... and then live in daily relationship with Him.
For a brief explanation of how to come into relationship with the God of the Universe, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html
Cordially,
John
| From Goddess of Fire (Q1048. Archived Saturday, 1-Jul-2006, 9:39 pm. Skeptic) |
In 1st Timothy 2 verses 9-13, it says a lot about what women cant do. Do you people who take the bible literally think these things to be true. Ex: "I permit no woman to teach or have authority over man; she is to keep silent" |
The letter to Timothy is referring to a specific situation in a specific culture. Some churches apply this literally in their church meetings and some dont.
Revelation 12 is metaphorical. For instance, the Dragon is referring to Satan.
Cordially,
John
| From Goddess of Fire (Q1047. Archived Saturday, 1-Jul-2006, 9:39 pm. Skeptic) |
|
You ask -- why do some people think that there is a god...
In response --
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm
Cordially,
John
| From Knowitall (Q1044. Archived Saturday, 1-Jul-2006, 8:41 pm. Skeptic) |
You want to pray then fine. I dont. You believe in something youve never seen,heard, or felt, only been told by other people who never experienced it either then great. I dont. You want to give your money cus they tell you that you will go to hell if you dont then be a fool. Not me. Stop tellin me i am goin to hell cus i dont believe what you do. That brainwashing dont work on me like it has on so many people. Just tired of hearing it all. Thank you..may god/allah/buddah bless you |
Thank you for sharing your viewpoint.
I respect your choice to reject the Christian God.
Having said that, please be aware that not all Christians are brain washed (if indeed there are any brain-washed Christians, they are very much a minority, if any at all, among the Christians I know).
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm)
Cordially,
John
| From x_heartbeats (Q1043. Archived Saturday, 1-Jul-2006, 8:41 pm. Skeptic) |
Some people say we evolved from apes..but where did the apes come from?...your opinion? |
Ultimately life was created by the Christian God. Microevolution happens though (includes changes within species, and can include low level speciation).
I personally do not find the alleged evidence (for evolution of humans from apes) to be either scientifically or intellectually compelling.
--
After reading and studying this topic (evolution) for hundreds of hours, I have come to the reasonable conclusion that Micro*Evolution is correct, and Macro*Evolution is wrong.
What I have found is...
Ultimately people believe in Evolution because they want to believe that God does not exist and/or he did not participate in creating life on earth.
There is evidence for Micro*Evolution (adaptation; change within species; limited speciation).
However there is no real evidence/ proof for Macro*Evolution (unguided formation of completely new body plans/ phyla; unguided formation of completely new complex organs).
I used to be an atheist and used to believe in Macro*Evolution. (Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html)
And over time, I grew increasingly disillusioned with Macro*Evolution as well. E.g. for scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.html
I recognize now that Macro*Evolution is basically an Atheist Faith (and is held to by Atheist or Deist Faith).
Cordially,
John
| From Monika (Q1042. Archived Saturday, 1-Jul-2006, 8:41 pm. Skeptic) |
I was raised Catholic and belong to Catholic parents. I've gone to Catholic schools all my life. I've always believed in God and still do, but I've never agreed with some of the main beliefs in Christianity. Ex. I don't believe in the Creation story, I'm pro-gay marriages, I think some parts of the Bible are subject to change over time, etc. Before I thought that meant that I'm just not a "traditional" Christian, but now I think that I can't be a "true" Christian without accepting some of Christianity's most fundamental beliefs (and I know a lot of you will agree with me). |
Good question.
If you have a good relationship with your parents, I would suggest bringing up your doubts with them.
Alternatively feel free to email me if you have any specific quesitions I can help with.
I am not a Catholic (I am a nondenominatial Evangelical Christian).
If the resources below help you with your faith, that would bring me joy. No problem if you choose not to look into these...
--
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.htm
Cordially,
John
| From HoliRoli (Q1041. Archived Friday, 30-Jun-2006, 10:32 pm. Skeptic) |
I mean if you are a good person why would you still go to hell. The only reason i could think of is because jesus made it up so people would be scared into warshipping him. Had he done the same thing now it would have been known as a cult. Interested in seeing your views on this. |
No good persons will go to hell.
Any person who has never ever sinned will automatically go to heaven when they die.
Having said that -- I have never come across any human being (older than the age of innocence) who has never sinned.
That would suggest that there are no human beings who are good enough to make it to heaven on the basis of their "goodness".
Cordially,
John
| From Sidra (Q1039. Archived Friday, 30-Jun-2006, 10:32 pm. Skeptic) |
Can you logically explain it and understand it? Explain why or why not you believe in it. |
Here is a brief synopsis of the Trinity:
There is only ONE God. He manifests himself in three personas/persons/manifestations for the purposes of the redemption of, and relationship with, human beings.
Contrary to what some people say, there is nothing irrational or illogical about this concept (of the Trinity).
For an explanation (and defense) of the doctrine of the Trinity, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/sect/doc/trinity.html
Cordially,
John
| From Bob O (Q1037. Archived Friday, 30-Jun-2006, 10:00 pm. Skeptic) |
Is god real? How can you seriously still believe in those ghost stories? how old are you? grow the f*** up, all of you. |
Yes. The Christian God is real.
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Cordially,
John
| From Atheist_Rules (Q1036. Archived Friday, 30-Jun-2006, 10:00 pm. Skeptic) |
I think it's because women need to feel protected. |
Could it be that women are smarter than men ? :)
Cordially,
John
| From Atheists_Rule (Q1035. Archived Friday, 30-Jun-2006, 7:59 pm. Skeptic) |
How did everything come about? I dont know. I guess god did it. I'm too stupid and lazy to think about any other possibilities. It's too hard. oops. Did I just doubt god? I better stop thinking like this before god catches me and send me to hell. |
You may be aware that your statements above are caricatures (and biased stereotypes) rather than a true representation of all Christians.
To see this, consider switching the object in your paragraph...
"How did everything come about? I dont know. I guess some Atheistic process did it. I'm too stupid and lazy to think about any other possibilities. It's too hard. oops. Did I just doubt Atheism? I better stop thinking like this before my atheist friends catch me and send me to the atheist hell (of being ridiculed by other atheists."
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
One of the reasons why I moved from Atheism to Theism is because there is scientific and rational intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
Cordially,
John
| From Noname (Q1034. Archived Friday, 30-Jun-2006, 7:59 pm. Skeptic) |
"Bob" was an atheist & CEO of a biotech company. He quit scientific work and became a Southern Baptist. Why? |
He abandoned Atheism because he recognized that there is evidence for the existence of God?
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Cordially,
John
| From MikeDIrishGuy (Q1032. Archived Friday, 30-Jun-2006, 7:59 pm. Skeptic) |
... if they all worship the same God? |
I wish there were no fighting between Jews, Muslims, Christians.
Having said that...
From everything I have read and studied, the Jews, Christians and Muslims do ***not*** worship the same God.
Cordially,
John
| From Regladden (Q1031. Archived Friday, 30-Jun-2006, 7:59 pm. Skeptic) |
By definition, if one believes in Christ, doesn't one believe in the same Christ? Most people would agree there really was just one ... |
Paul (in the New Testament) indicates that there are False Christs. He also indicates that if you follow "another Christ" (than the true Christ) then you would not be saved by the "other Christ".
------------
Example #1: The Mormon Jesus
The Mormons for instance believe in a Different Jesus Christ from the Jesus Christ of the Bible.
The Mormon Jesus is the blood-brother of Lucifer. The Christian Jesus is not.
The Mormon Jesus is a created being. The Christian Jesus is not.
The Mormon Jesus is not an eternal being (who always existed). The Christian Jesus is.
The Mormon Jesus was the result of sex between Elohim and Mary. The Christian Jesus was not.
The Spirit of Mormon Jesus was the result of sex between Elohim and one of his many wives in heaven. The Christian Jesus was not.
According to some Mormon church leaders, the Mormon Jesus was married and had children. The Christian Jesus was not married and did not have children.
---------------
Example #2: The Jehovah's Witness Jesus
The JW Jesus is a created being. The Christian Jesus is not.
The JW Jesus is not an eternal being (who always existed). The Christian Jesus is.
The JW Jesus is the archangel Michael. The Christian Jesus is not.
----------------
Example #3: The Hare Krishna Jesus
Based on the writings of some of their leaders... The HK Jesus is the son of Krishna. The Christian Jesus is not.
The HK Jesus is not an eternal being. The Christian Jesus is.
----------------
I hope these examples above show that there are indeed different alleged Jesus' and different alleged Christ's (and that it is possible to believe in different "Jesus Christs". The Bible indicates however that there is only one true Jesus Christ and that is the Jesus Christ of the Bible.
Cordially,
John
| From Little_morphing_annie (Q1024. Archived Friday, 30-Jun-2006, 6:09 pm. Skeptic) |
I found some fungai filled mud yesterday and figured " this is it ". I wanted to hear some music and ran an electric charge over the mud, dumped a protein based solution in and asked for ANYONE to jump out of that goo and play me Nocturne in C sharp Minor.Nothing happened! What did I do wrong ? I compromised and asked for " Fer alyce " and nothing! Did I offend some amoeba ? I settled for " Boogey woogie blues " and still Nada'! I took my violin to the zoo and offered free lessons to any gorilla or monkey. NOT ONE TAKER! One of them kinda plucked at it a little but still nothing. Is it my approach or my demeanor ? I asked nicely. I moved on over to the fish tanks and reptile section and just asked for a simple back rub. Nothing.Do you think they sense Im a fish eater and are resentful? I mean Id be mad to if I found I char- grilled my cousins or something. Am I in need of a carbon based additive to in the fungai stuff to at least get someone to evolve out and sing Moriah Carey ? |
Enjoyed reading your question...
I too am skeptical of Macro*Evolution (read on if interested)...
------------------------------...
I believe in Micro*Evolution, but not Macro*Evolution...
---
After reading and studying this topic (evolution) for hundreds of hours, I have come to the reasonable conclusion that Micro*Evoluiton is correct, and Macro*Evolution is wrong.
What I have found is...
Ultimately people believe in Evolution because they want to believe that God does not exist and/or he did not participate in creating life on earth.
There is evidence for Micro*Evolution (adaptation; change within species; limited speciation).
However there is no real evidence/ proof for Macro*Evolution (unguided formation of completely new body plans/ phyla; unguided formation of completely new complex organs).
I used to be an atheist and used to believe in Macro*Evolution. (Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/...
And over time, I grew increasingly disillusioned with Macro*Evolution as well. E.g. for scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.ht...
I recognize now that Macro*Evolution is basically an Atheist Faith (and is held to by Atheist or Deist Faith).
Cordially,
John
| From Little_morphing_annie (Q1023. Archived Friday, 30-Jun-2006, 6:09 pm. Skeptic) |
Im sitting here at my pool of primordial goo that I concocted. As I said before I ran an electric charge over it and added my carbon based solution. I called forth this time a hottie cutie atheist to marry me and nothing! Whats my problem? I was thinking also...what if hes a fish ? Should I go to college for oceanography so we can swim off into the deep together ? Or...what if hes a primordial bug ? Then he certanily would be a pest at times ...now wouldnt he ? And what if my Mom hated him and sent the Orkin man over to our house ? ( i.e. mother in law thingie ). If he jumps out as a primordial amoeba...where the heck will we live ...in a petrie dish ? Can someone please advise me? Also...someone told me I had to wait " 50 million years for him to evolve out of my primal stew ". Well NO WAY! My biological clock is ticking..I want to have a baby! Uhh...a tadpole ? Ummm...a amoeba ? hmmmm.....ummmm....a monkey child ? ummmm Tarzans cousin ? Please advise me guys.Can u help? |
Enjoyed reading your question...
I too am skeptical of Macro*Evolution (read on if interested)...
------------------------------...
I believe in Micro*Evolution, but not Macro*Evolution...
---
After reading and studying this topic (evolution) for hundreds of hours, I have come to the reasonable conclusion that Micro*Evoluiton is correct, and Macro*Evolution is wrong.
What I have found is...
Ultimately people believe in Evolution because they want to believe that God does not exist and/or he did not participate in creating life on earth.
There is evidence for Micro*Evolution (adaptation; change within species; limited speciation).
However there is no real evidence/ proof for Macro*Evolution (unguided formation of completely new body plans/ phyla; unguided formation of completely new complex organs).
I used to be an atheist and used to believe in Macro*Evolution. (Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/...
And over time, I grew increasingly disillusioned with Macro*Evolution as well. E.g. for scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.ht...
I recognize now that Macro*Evolution is basically an Atheist Faith (and is held to by Atheist or Deist Faith).
Cordially,
John
| From TobyKeogh (Q1022. Archived Friday, 30-Jun-2006, 6:09 pm. Skeptic) |
i'm curious to know which age groups are more likely to believe one thing over the other. |
Humankind -- created by God.
Age - n/a.
------------------------------...
I believe in Micro*Evolution, but not Macro*Evolution (if interested read on)...
---
After reading and studying this topic (evolution) for hundreds of hours, I have come to the reasonable conclusion that Micro*Evoluiton is correct, and Macro*Evolution is wrong.
What I have found is...
Ultimately people believe in Evolution because they want to believe that God does not exist and/or he did not participate in creating life on earth.
There is evidence for Micro*Evolution (adaptation; change within species; limited speciation).
However there is no real evidence/ proof for Macro*Evolution (unguided formation of completely new body plans/ phyla; unguided formation of completely new complex organs).
I used to be an atheist and used to believe in Macro*Evolution. (Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/...
And over time, I grew increasingly disillusioned with Macro*Evolution as well. E.g. for scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.ht...
I recognize now that Macro*Evolution is basically an Atheist Faith (and is held to by Atheist or Deist Faith).
Cordially,
John
| From Inufan92 (Q1021. Archived Friday, 30-Jun-2006, 6:09 pm. Skeptic) |
I understand that this has been asked before, but I am curious to hear more answers. |
After reading and studying this topic (evolution) for hundreds of hours, I have come to the reasonable conclusion that Micro*Evoluiton is correct, and Macro*Evolution is wrong.
What I have found is...
Ultimately people believe in Evolution because they want to believe that God does not exist and/or he did not participate in creating life on earth.
There is evidence for Micro*Evolution (adaptation; change within species; limited speciation).
However there is no real evidence/ proof for Macro*Evolution (unguided formation of completely new body plans/ phyla; unguided formation of completely new complex organs).
I used to be an atheist and used to believe in Macro*Evolution. (Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html)
And over time, I grew increasingly disillusioned with Macro*Evolution as well. E.g. for scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.html
I recognize now that Macro*Evolution is basically an Atheist Faith (and is held to by Atheist or Deist Faith).
Cordially,
John
| From Spindle123 (Q1020. Archived Wednesday, 28-Jun-2006, 10:34 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Jesus tells us that he is the only way to God; and that he is the only mediator between God and Man.
Jesus also presents himself as Uniquely God in human form.
Given that Jesus is God incarnate, this would indicate that God did not incarnate himself in the other forms you mention.
Cordially,
John
| From BadJes (Q1019. Archived Wednesday, 28-Jun-2006, 10:34 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Hindus and Buddhists have free-will and many of them are choosing to accept Jesus as their savior.
Through the years, I have come across many individuals (from various worldviews and religions including Hinduism and Buddhism) who sought God with humility, sincerity and perseverance, and he revealed himself to them.
For instance, see here for examples of people who have come to the Christian God from a variety of worldviews and religions.
Cordially,
John
| From Yeldarb (Q1017. Archived Wednesday, 28-Jun-2006, 8:53 pm. Skeptic) |
|
I believe in God...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see here).
God was never created. He always existed. This is a rational viewpoint (i.e., it is neither illogical nor irrational).
Cordially,
John
| From Atheist4U (Q1015. Archived Wednesday, 28-Jun-2006, 8:53 pm. Skeptic) |
|
In the past, I did accept Atheism as my world-view (I cant say it was my personal light and savior though)...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see here).
Cordially,
John
| From Johnusmaximus1 (Q1014. Archived Wednesday, 28-Jun-2006, 8:53 pm. Skeptic) |
Is there a scripture that specifically says that God is a trinity? If so, where can I find it? If it is the most important doctrine, surely there is a scripture that speaks of a trinity |
There is Biblical evidence for the Trinity.
First, here is a brief synopsis of the Trinity:
There is only ONE God. He manifests himself in three personas/persons/manifestations for the purposes of the redemption of, and relationship with, human beings.
For an explanation (and defense) of the doctrine of the Trinity, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/sect/doc/trinity.html
Cordially,
John
| From Seekthetruth (Q1009. Archived Wednesday, 28-Jun-2006, 8:53 pm. Skeptic) |
My goal is to show Protestants the truth, that the Catholic Church is the one founded by Jesus (God in the flesh). If other Christians could know this then there would be no reason for them not to be in the Church that was founded by God. |
I appreciate your motives. I too am dismayed to see Christianity so divided.
I do not view you as attacking Christians. Your sincere questions help us to dialog so we can all grow to the truth in the unity of Christ.
Having said that, I find that some of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church are consistent with the Bible, and some are not.
I accept those teachings that are consistent with the Bible, and do not accept those teachings that disagree with the Bible.
Cordially,
John
| From Jerald D (Q1006. Archived Wednesday, 28-Jun-2006, 8:53 pm. Skeptic) |
|
I am convinced that the Christian God exists.
This conviction arises out of a combination of intellectual & scientific evidence in addition to experiential evidence (prayers answered; peace; presence of God etc) and mystical experience.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see here.
The link above describes the things that influenced me away from Atheism and towards Christ.
Also, for scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see here.
Cordially,
John
| From TeenChatter10 (Q1003. Archived Wednesday, 28-Jun-2006, 8:53 pm. Skeptic) |
|
The Christian Bible teaches that both men and women are made equally in the image of God.
So, one is not a retarded form of the other.
Cordially,
John
| From some_hand2001 (Q1002. Archived Wednesday, 28-Jun-2006, 8:53 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Yes I do believe that miracles are possible (for God to perform).
There is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, e.g., see here.
It is rational therefore to believe in the existence of God (and the Christian God in particular).
Given the existence of God who is powerful enough to create the entire physical universe, it is rational to infer that He has the power to perform miracles (which are actually much smaller and less extraordinary events than the creation of the entire universe).
Cordially,
John
| From OzzieUSA (Q1000. Archived Wednesday, 28-Jun-2006, 8:53 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Yes, there is a God (the Christian God).
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see here.
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see here.
Cordially,
John
| From Chaz (Q998. Archived Wednesday, 28-Jun-2006, 8:53 pm. Skeptic) |
What were the deciding factors in your (lack of) faith? |
I used to be an Atheist.
However, over a period of time, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see here).
There was no one single point where I knew I no longer believed in Atheism but rather a gradual process.
The deciding factors in my lack of faith in Atheism -- are discussed at the link above.
Also, for scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see here. These contributed to my moving away from Atheism.
Cordially,
John
| From Crazyman (Q996. Archived Tuesday, 27-Jun-2006, 9:50 pm. Skeptic) |
before or after he became a zombie ... |
There is no historical evidence that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene or that he had any kind of intimate relationship with her.
The DVC is a murder-mystery which claims (incorrectly) that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and they had a child.
The problem with this thesis is that it is not supported by any meaningful historical evidence.
For an evaluation of the concepts presented in the Da Vinci Code, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/dvc/
Cordially,
John
| From Elreybrown (Q995. Archived Tuesday, 27-Jun-2006, 9:50 pm. Skeptic) |
Genisis 1:26 says "Let Us make man in Our image, in Our likeness,...Could God be male and female. Two instead of one as we see in nature. |
Actually, Genesis 1:26 when considered with other verses in the Bible is consistent with the Trinity.
Here is a brief synopsis of the Trinity:
There is only ONE God. He manifests himself in three personas/persons/manifestations for the purposes of the redemption of, and relationship with, human beings.
For an explanation (and defense) of the doctrine of the Trinity, see here.
Cordially,
John
| From Atheists Rule (Q994. Archived Tuesday, 27-Jun-2006, 9:50 pm. Skeptic) |
Christians have no problem believing the bible stories like a talking bush, talking animals, angels blowing trumpets in the sky, wizards and all kinds of absurd fictional stories like men walking on water but wont believe in evolution to save their life. |
First, it is rational to believe in God... there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see here).
Given that God exists and has the power to create this universe, it is rational that he has the ability to perform miracles (such as the ones mentioned in the Bible).
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see here).
I used to believe in Evolution. However, over a period of time I have grown skeptical of the claims of Macro*Evolution... this is largely due to the weakness of the evidence for Macro*Evolution, and the fact that the evidence, rationally interpreted does not support the overarching claims made by Macro*Evolutionists...
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see here.
Cordially,
John
| From valkyrie_hero (Q993. Archived Tuesday, 27-Jun-2006, 9:50 pm. Skeptic) |
I was born in a Christian household, I was loosely raised. Over a course of time however doubt came into my mind. I found myself challenging every religion at the age of 9. I found myself an outcast due to children teasing me and saying "you're going to hell when you die" or "I'm gonna laugh when I'm in heaven." For years I tried to find my place, not only in Christianity, but in all religions, but I found myself an outcast. I found the way of the agnostic, and it made sense to me, I had tried to lie to myself for years and say I'm Christian for years, but I had found the way that suited me best. Now I see people calling us lost, and hell-bound, but I couldn't convert to Christianity, it would be a lie to myself, it's not that its hard for me to do, it's IMPOSSIBLE for me to do. |
I empathize with you.
I too ended up leaving the faith of my early years (youth in my case)...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see here).
Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see here).
Cordially,
John
| From MarkinProvide (Q992. Archived Tuesday, 27-Jun-2006, 9:50 pm. Skeptic) |
just curious |
No I am not offended by your statement.
There are aspects of Christianity (Christendom if you wish) that I do not think very highly of. The Christian God however I hold in high esteem.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see here).
Cordially,
John
| From Digilook (Q991. Archived Tuesday, 27-Jun-2006, 9:50 pm. Skeptic) |
Why the need to prove ones belief to another? |
I join you in wishing that all human beings would get along.
Having said that, it is relevant to note that Pascal's Wager makes the point that it makes more sense (it is more rational) to live as a Christian than as an Atheist.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see here).
Cordially,
John
| From Kevin T (Q990. Archived Tuesday, 27-Jun-2006, 9:50 pm. Skeptic) |
Is that the love of Christ? or Buddha, or Allah? |
Thank you for this reminder.
I am a Christian and I am not mad at you.
I used to be an atheist myself. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see here).
Cordially,
John
| From Bryan G (Q988. Archived Tuesday, 27-Jun-2006, 9:50 pm. Skeptic) |
like the meaning of life. they LOVE to spout off about the same BS evolution, but it takes more faith to believe that horsecrap than it does to believe in God. |
I empathize with your sense of frustration.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see here).
You are right that it takes more faith to believe in Macro*Evolution (and Atheism in general) than in God.
Cordially,
John
| From Bob D (Q983. Archived Monday, 26-Jun-2006, 10:53 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Good question.
Please see below for a non-exhaustive list of peer-reviewed literature/articles supportive of Intelligent Design.
The Info below is from The Discovery Institute.
Peer-Reviewed & Peer-Edited Scientific Publications Supporting the Theory of Intelligent Design (Annotated)
By: Staff
Discovery Institute
February 22, 2006
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Editors's Note:: Critics of intelligent design often claim that design advocates don’t publish their work in appropriate scientific literature. For example, Barbara Forrest, a philosophy professor at Southeastern Louisiana University, was quoted in USA Today (March 25, 2005) that design theorists “aren’t published because they don’t have scientific data.”
Other critics have made the more specific claim that design advocates do not publish their works in peer-reviewed scientific journals—as if such journals represented the only avenue of legitimate scientific publication. In fact, scientists routinely publish their work in peer-reviewed scientific journals, in peer-reviewed scientific books, in scientific anthologies and conference proceedings (edited by their scientific peers), and in trade presses. Some of the most important and groundbreaking work in the history of science was first published not in scientific journal articles but in scientific books—including Copernicus’ De Revolutionibus, Newton’s Principia, and Darwin’s Origin of Species (the latter of which was published in a prominent British trade press and was not peer-reviewed in the modern sense of the term). In any case, the scientists who advocate the theory of intelligent design have published their work in a variety of appropriate technical venues, including peer-reviewed scientific journals, peer-reviewed scientific books (some in mainstream university presses), trade presses, peer-edited scientific anthologies, peer-edited scientific conference proceedings and peer-reviewed philosophy of science journals and books. We provide below an annotated bibliography of technical publications of various kinds that support, develop or apply the theory of intelligent design.
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Featured Articles
Meyer, S. C. DNA and the origin of life: Information, specification and explanation, in Darwinism, Design, & Public Education (Michigan State University Press, 2003), Pp. 223-285.
Meyer contends that intelligent design provides a better explanation than competing chemical evolutionary models for the origin of the information present in large bio-macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. Meyer shows that the term information as applied to DNA connotes not only improbability or complexity but also specificity of function. He then argues that neither chance nor necessity, nor the combination of the two, can explain the origin of information starting from purely physical-chemical antecedents. Instead, he argues that our knowledge of the causal powers of both natural entities and intelligent agency suggests intelligent design as the best explanation for the origin of the information necessary to build a cell in the first place.
Behe, M. J., Design in the details: The origin of biomolecular machines, in Darwinism, Design, & Public Education (Michigan State University Press, 2003), Pp. 287-302
Behe sets forth a central concept of the contemporary design argument, the notion of “irreducible complexity.” Behe argues that the phenomena of his field include systems and mechanisms that display complex, interdependent, and coordinated functions. Such intricacy, Behe argues, defies the causal power of natural selection acting on random variation, the “no end in view” mechanism of neo-Darwinism. Yet he notes that irreducible complexity is a feature of systems that are known to be designed by intelligent agents. He thus concludes that intelligent design provides a better explanation for the presence of irreducible complexity in the molecular machines of the cell.
Dembski, W.A., Reinstating design within science, in Darwinism, Design, & Public Education (Michigan State University Press, 2003), Pp. 403-418.
Dembski argues that advances in the information sciences have provided a theoretical basis for detecting the prior action of an intelligent agent. Starting from the commonsense observation that we make design inferences all the time, Dembski shows that we do so on the basis of clear criteria. He then shows how those criteria, complexity and specification, reliably indicate intelligent causation. He gives a rational reconstruction of a method by which rational agents decide between competing types of explanation, those based on chance, physical-chemical necessity, or intelligent design. Since he asserts we can detect design by reference to objective criteria, Dembski also argues for the scientific legitimacy of inferences to intelligent design.
Stephen Meyer, “The Origin of Biological Information and the Higher Taxonomic Categories” Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 117(2004):213-239.
Meyer argues that competing materialistic models (Neo-Darwinism, Self –Organization Models, Punctuated Equilibrium and Structuralism) are not sufficient to account for origin of the information necessary to build novel animal forms present in the Cambrian Explosion. He proposes intelligent design as an alternative explanation for the origin of biological information and the higher taxa.
Lönnig, W.-E. Dynamic genomes, morphological stasis and the origin of irreducible complexity, Dynamical Genetics, Pp. 101-119. PDF(2.95MB)HTML
Biology exhibits numerous invariants -- aspects of the biological world that do not change over time. These include basic genetic processes that have persisted unchanged for more than three-and-a-half billion years and molecular mechanisms of animal ontogenesis that have been constant for more than one billion years. Such invariants, however, are difficult to square with dynamic genomes in light of conventional evolutionary theory. Indeed, Ernst Mayr regarded this as one of the great unsolved problems of biology. In this paper Dr.Wolf-Ekkehard Lönnig Senior Scientist in the Department of Molecular Plant Genetics at the Max-Planck-Institute for Plant Breeding Research employs the design-theoretic concepts of irreducible complexity (as developed by Michael Behe) and specified complexity (as developed by William Dembski) to elucidate these invariants, accounting for them in terms of an intelligent design (ID) hypothesis. Lönnig also describes a series of scientific questions that the theory of intelligent design could help elucidate, thus showing the fruitfulness of intelligent design as a guide to further scientific research.
Jonathan Wells, “Do Centrioles Generate a Polar Ejection Force?," Rivista di Biologia/Biology Forum 98 (2005): 37-62.
Most animal cells contain a pair of centrioles, tiny turbine-like organelles oriented at right angles to each other that replicate at every cell division. Yet the function and behavior of centrioles remain mysterious. Since all centrioles appear to be equally complex, there are no plausible evolutionary intermediates with which to construct phylogenies; and since centrioles contain no DNA, they have attracted relatively little attention from neo Darwinian biologists who think that DNA is the secret of life. From an intelligent design (ID) perspective, centrioles may have no evolutionary intermediates because they are irreducibly complex. And they may need no DNA because they carry another form of biological information that is independent of the genetic mutations relied upon by neo-Darwinists. In this paper, Wells assumes that centrioles are designed to function as the tiny turbines they appear to be, rather than being accidental by-products of Darwinian evolution. He then formulates a testable hypothesis about centriole function and behavior that—if corroborated by experiment could have important implications for our understanding of cell division and cancer. Wells thus makes a case for ID by showing its strong heuristic value in biology. That is, he uses the theory of intelligent design to make new discoveries in biology.
Scott Minnich and Stephen C. Meyer, “Genetic Analysis of Coordinate Flagellar and Type III Regulatory Circuits,” Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Design & Nature, Rhodes Greece, edited by M.W. Collins and C.A. Brebbia (WIT Press, 2004).
This article underwent conference peer review in order to be included in this peer-edited proceedings. Minnich and Meyer do three important things in this paper. First, they refute a popular objection to Michael Behe’s argument for the irreducible complexity of the bacterial flagellum. Second, they suggest that the Type III Secretory System present in some bacteria, rather than being an evolutionary intermediate to the bacterial flagellum, is probably represents a degenerate form of the bacterial flagellum. Finally, they argue explicitly that intelligent design is a better than the Neo-Darwinian mechanism for explaining the origin of the bacterial flagellum.
Peer-Reviewed Scientific Books Supportive of Intelligent Design Published by Trade Presses or University Presses
W.A. Dembski, The Design Inference: Eliminating Chance through Small Probabilities (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998).
This book was published by Cambridge University Press and peer-reviewed as part of a distinguished monograph series, Cambridge Studies in Probability, Induction, and Decision Theory. The editorial board of that series includes members of the National Academy of Sciences as well as one Nobel laureate, John Harsanyi, who shared the prize in 1994 with John Nash, the protagonist in the film A Beautiful Mind. Commenting on the ideas in The Design Inference, well-known physicist and science writer Paul Davies remarks: “Dembski’s attempt to quantify design, or provide mathematical criteria for design, is extremely useful. I’m concerned that the suspicion of a hidden agenda is going to prevent that sort of work from receiving the recognition it deserves.” Quoted in L. Witham, By Design (San Francisco: Encounter Books, 2003), p. 149.
Michael Behe, Darwin’s Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution (The Free Press, 1996).
In this book Behe develops a critique of the mechanism of natural selection and a positive case for the theory of intelligent design based upon the presence of “irreducibly complex molecular machines” and circuits inside cells. Though this book was published by The Free Press, a trade press, the publisher subjected the book to standard scientific peer-review by several prominent biochemists and biological scientists.
Charles B. Thaxton, Walter L. Bradley, Roger L. Olsen, The Mystery of Life’s Origin: Reassessing Current Theories (Philosophical Library, 1984, Lewis & Stanley, 4th ed., 1992).
In this book Thaxton, Bradley and Olsen develop a seminal critique of origin of life studies and develop a case for the theory of intelligent design based upon the information content and “low-configurational entropy” of living systems.
John Angus Campbell and Stephen C. Meyer, Darwinism, Design, & Public Education (Michigan State University Press, 2003)
This is a collection of interdisciplinary essays that addresses the scientific and educational controversy concerning the theory of intelligent design. Accordingly, it was peer-reviewed by a philosopher of science, a rhetorician of science, and a professor in the biological sciences from an Ivy League university. The book contains five scientific articles advancing the case for the theory of intelligent design, the contents of which are summarized below.
Scientific Books Supportive of Intelligent Design Published by Prominent Trade Presses
Guillermo Gonzalez and Jay W. Richards, The Privileged Planet: How Our Place in the Cosmos is Designed for Discovery (Regnery Publishing, 2004).
Gonzalez and Richards develop a novel case for the theory of intelligent design based on developments in astronomy and planetary science. They show that the conditions necessary to produce a habitable planet are extremely rare and improbable. In addition, they show that the one planet we are aware of that possesses these characteristics is also a planet that has characteristics uniquely adapted to scientific exploration, thus suggesting not simply that the earth is the recipient of the fortunate conditions necessary for life, but that it appears to be uniquely designed for scientific discovery.
William Dembski, No Free Lunch: Why Specified Complexity Cannot be Purchased without Intelligence (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2002).
Dembski refines his scientific method of design detection, responds to critics of his previous book (The Design Inference) and shows how his method of design detection applies to the kind of molecular machines analyzed by Michael Behe in Darwin’s Black Box.
Michael Denton, Evolution: A Theory in Crisis (Adler & Adler, 1985).
Denton, an Australian molecular biologist, provides a comprehensive critique of neo- Darwinian evolutionary theory. In a penultimate chapter, entitled “The Molecular Labyrinth,” he also develops a strong positive case for the design hypothesis based on the integrated complexity of molecular biological systems. As a religiously agnostic scientist, Denton emphasizes that this case for design is based upon scientific evidence and the application of standard forms of scientific reasoning. As Denton explains, while the case for design may have religious implications, “it does not depend upon religious premises.”
Peer-Reviewed Philosophical Books Books Supportive of Intelligent Design Published by Academic University Presses
Del Ratzsch, Nature, Design, and Science: The Status of Design in Natural Science (State University of New York Press, 2001).
Michael C. Rea, World without Design : The Ontological Consequences of Naturalism (Oxford University Press, 2004).
Articles Supportive of Intelligent Design Published in Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journals
Ø. A. Voie, "Biological function and the genetic code are interdependent," Chaos, Solitons and Fractals, 2006, Vol 28(4), 1000-1004.
In this article, Norwegian scientist Øyvind Albert Voie examines an implication of Gödel’s incompleteness theorem for theories about the origin of life. Gödel’s first incompleteness theorem states that certain true statements within a formal system are unprovable from the axioms of the formal system. Voie then argues that the information processing system in the cell constitutes a kind of formal system because it “expresses both function and sign systems.” As such, by Gödel’s theorem it possesses many properties that are not deducible from the axioms which underlie the formal system, in this case, the laws of nature. He cites Michael Polanyi’s seminal essay, Life’s Irreducible Structure, in support of this claim. As Polanyi put it, “the structure of life is a set of boundary conditions that harness the laws of physics and chemistry their (the boundary condition's) structure cannot be defined in terms of the laws that they harness.” As he further explained, “As the arrangement of a printed page is extraneous to the chemistry of the printed page, so is the base sequence in a DNA molecule extraneous to the chemical forces at work in the DNA molecule.” Like Polanyi, Voie argues that the information and function of DNA and the cellular replication machinery must originate from a source that transcends physics and chemistry. In particular, since as Voie argues, “chance and necessity cannot explain sign systems, meaning, purpose, and goals,” and since “mind possesses other properties that do not have these limitations,” it is “therefore very natural that many scientists believe that life is rather a subsystem of some Mind greater than humans.”
S.C. Meyer, “The Origin of Biological Information and the Higher Taxonomic Categories,” Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 117(2) (2004): 213-239.
This article argues for intelligent design as an explanation for the origin of the Cambrian fauna. Not surprisingly, it created an international firestorm within the scientific community when it was published. (See Klinghoffer, The Branding of a Heretic, WALL STREET JOURNAL, Jan. 28, 2005, as well as the following website by the editor who oversaw the article’s peer-review process: http://www.rsternberg.net.) The treatment of the editor who sent Meyer’s article out for peer-review is a striking illustration of the sociological obstacles that proponents of intelligent design encounter in publishing articles that explicitly defend the theory of intelligent design.
M.J. Behe and D.W. Snoke, “Simulating Evolution by Gene Duplication of Protein Features That Require Multiple Amino Acid Residues,” Protein Science, 13 (2004): 2651-2664.
In this article, Behe and Snoke show how difficult it is for unguided evolutionary processes to take existing protein structures and add novel proteins whose interface compatibility is such that they could combine functionally with the original proteins. By demonstrating inherent limitations to unguided evolutionary processes, this work gives indirect scientific support to intelligent design and bolsters Behe’s case for intelligent design in answer to some of his critics.
W.-E. Lönnig & H. Saedler, “Chromosome Rearrangements and Transposable Elements,” Annual Review of Genetics, 36 (2002): 389-410.
This article examines the role of transposons in the abrupt origin of new species and the possibility of a partly predetermined generation of biodiversity and new species. The authors’ approach is non-Darwinian, and they cite favorably the work of design theorists Michael Behe and William Dembski.
D.K.Y. Chiu & T.H. Lui, “Integrated Use of Multiple Interdependent Patterns for Biomolecular Sequence Analysis,” International Journal of Fuzzy Systems, 4(3) (September 2002): 766-775.
The opening paragraph of this article reads: Detection of complex specified information is introduced to infer unknown underlying causes for observed patterns. By complex information, it refers to information obtained from observed pattern or patterns that are highly improbable by random chance alone. We evaluate here the complex pattern corresponding to multiple observations of statistical interdependency such that they all deviate significantly from the prior or null hypothesis. Such multiple interdependent patterns when consistently observed can be a powerful indication of common underlying causes. That is, detection of significant multiple interdependent patterns in a consistent way can lead to the discovery of possible new or hidden knowledge.”
M.J. Denton, J.C. Marshall & M. Legge, (2002) “The Protein Folds as Platonic Forms: New Support for the pre-Darwinian Conception of Evolution by Natural Law,” Journal of Theoretical Biology 219 (2002): 325-342.
This research is thoroughly non-Darwinian and teleological. It looks to laws of form embedded in nature to bring about biological structures. The intelligent design research program is broad, and design like this that’s programmed into nature falls within its ambit.
Articles Supportive of Intelligent Design Published in Peer-Reviewed Scientific Anthologies
Lönnig, W.-E. Dynamic genomes, morphological stasis and the origin of irreducible complexity, Dynamical Genetics, Pp. 101-119. In Dynamical Genetics by V. Parisi, V. de Fonzo & F. Aluffi-Pentini, eds.,(Research Signpost, 2004)
Biology exhibits numerous invariants -- aspects of the biological world that do not change over time. These include basic genetic processes that have persisted unchanged for more than three-and-a-half billion years and molecular mechanisms of animal ontogenesis that have been constant for more than one billion years. Such invariants, however, are difficult to square with dynamic genomes in light of conventional evolutionary theory. Indeed, Ernst Mayr regarded this as one of the great unsolved problems of biology. In this paper Dr.Wolf-Ekkehard Lönnig Senior Scientist in the Department of Molecular Plant Genetics at the Max-Planck-Institute for Plant Breeding Research employs the design-theoretic concepts of irreducible complexity (as developed by Michael Behe) and specified complexity (as developed by William Dembski) to elucidate these invariants, accounting for them in terms of an intelligent design (ID) hypothesis.
Granville Sewell, Postscript, in Analysis of a Finite Element Method: PDE/PROTRAN (Springer Verlag, 1985) (HTML).
In this article appearing in a 1985 technical reference book, mathematician Granville Sewell compares the complexity found in the genetic code of life to that of a computer program. He recognizes that the fundamental problem for evolution is the "problem of novelties" which raises the question "How can natural selection cause new organs to arise and guide their development through the initial stages during which they present no selective advantage"? Sewell then explains how a Darwinist will try to bridge both functional and fossil gaps between biological structures through "a long chain of tiny improvements in his imagination," but notes that "the analogy with software puts his ideas into perspective." Major changes to a species require the intelligent foresight of a programmer. Natural selection, a process which is "unable to plan beyond the next tiny mutation" could never produce the complexity of life.
Five science articles from Darwinism, Design, & Public Education, edited by John Angus Campbell and Stephen C. Meyer (Michigan State University Press, 2003) (hereinafter DDPE):
Meyer, S. C. DNA and the origin of life: Information, specification and explanation, DDPE Pp. 223-285.
Meyer contends that intelligent design provides a better explanation than competing chemical evolutionary models for the origin of the information present in large bio-macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. Meyer shows that the term information as applied to DNA connotes not only improbability or complexity but also specificity of function. He then argues that neither chance nor necessity, nor the combination of the two, can explain the origin of information starting from purely physical-chemical antecedents. Instead, he argues that our knowledge of the causal powers of both natural entities and intelligent agency suggests intelligent design as the best explanation for the origin of the information necessary to build a cell in the first place.
Behe, M. J., Design in the details: The origin of biomolecular machines. DDPE Pp. 287-302
Behe sets forth a central concept of the contemporary design argument, the notion of “irreducible complexity.” Behe argues that the phenomena of his field include systems and mechanisms that display complex, interdependent, and coordinated functions. Such intricacy, Behe argues, defies the causal power of natural selection acting on random variation, the “no end in view” mechanism of neo-Darwinism. Yet he notes that irreducible complexity is a feature of systems that are known to be designed by intelligent agents. He thus concludes that intelligent design provides a better explanation for the presence of irreducible complexity in the molecular machines of the cell.
Nelson, P. & J. Wells, Homology in biology: Problem for naturalistic science and prospect for intelligent design, DDPE, Pp. 303-322.
Paul Nelson and Jonathan Wells reexamine the phenomenon of homology, the structural identity of parts in distinct species such as the pentadactyl plan of the human hand, the wing of a bird, and the flipper of a seal, on which Darwin was willing to rest his entire argument. Nelson and Wells contend that natural selection explains some of the facts of homology but leaves important anomalies (including many so-called molecular sequence homologies) unexplained. They argue that intelligent design explains the origin of homology better than the mechanisms cited by advocates of neo-Darwinism.
Meyer, S. C., Ross, M., Nelson, P. & P. Chien, The Cambrian explosion: biology’s big bang, DDPE, Pp. 323-402.
Meyer, Ross, Nelson, and Chien show that the pattern of fossil appearance in the Cambrian period contradicts the predictions or empirical expectations of neo-Darwinian (and punctuationalist) evolutionary theory. They argue that the fossil record displays several features—a hierarchical top-down pattern of appearance, the morphological isolation of disparate body plans, and a discontinuous increase in information content—that are strongly reminiscent of the pattern of evidence found in the history of human technology. Thus, they conclude that intelligent design provides a better, more causally adequate, explanation of the origin of the novel animal forms present in the Cambrian explosion.
Dembski, W.A., Reinstating design within science, DDPE, Pp. 403-418.
Dembski argues that advances in the information sciences have provided a theoretical basis for detecting the prior action of an intelligent agent. Starting from the commonsense observation that we make design inferences all the time, Dembski shows that we do so on the basis of clear criteria. He then shows how those criteria, complexity and specification, reliably indicate intelligent causation. He gives a rational reconstruction of a method by which rational agents decide between competing types of explanation, those based on chance, physical-chemical necessity, or intelligent design. Since he asserts we can detect design by reference to objective criteria, Dembski also argues for the scientific legitimacy of inferences to intelligent design.
Peer-Edited or Editor-Reviewed Articles Supportive of Intelligent Design Published in Scientific Journals, Scientific Anthologies and Conference Proceedings
Jonathan Wells, “Do Centrioles Generate a Polar Ejection Force?," Rivista di Biologia/Biology Forum 98 (2005): 37-62.
Most animal cells contain a pair of centrioles, tiny turbine-like organelles oriented at right angles to each other that replicate at every cell division. Yet the function and behavior of centrioles remain mysterious. Since all centrioles appear to be equally complex, there are no plausible evolutionary intermediates with which to construct phylogenies; and since centrioles contain no DNA, they have attracted relatively little attention from neo Darwinian biologists who think that DNA is the secret of life. From an intelligent design (ID) perspective, centrioles may have no evolutionary intermediates because they are irreducibly complex. And they may need no DNA because they carry another form of biological information that is independent of the genetic mutations relied upon by neo-Darwinists. In this paper, Wells assumes that centrioles are designed to function as the tiny turbines they appear to be, rather than being accidental by-products of Darwinian evolution. He then formulates a testable hypothesis about centriole function and behavior that—if corroborated by experiment could have important implications for our understanding of cell division and cancer. Wells thus makes a case for ID by showing its strong heuristic value in biology. That is, he uses the theory of intelligent design to make new discoveries in biology.
Granville Sewell, "A Mathematician’s View of Evolution," The Mathematical Intelligencer, Vol 22 (4) (2000) (HTML).
Mathematician Granville Sewell explains that Michael Behe's arguments against neo-Darwinism from irreducible complexity are supported by mathematics and the quantitative sciences, especially when applied to the problem of the origin of new genetic information. Sewell notes that there are "a good many mathematicians, physicists and computer scientists who ...are appalled that Darwin's explanation for the development of life is so widely accepted in the life sciences." Sewell compares the genetic code of life to a computer program--a comparison also made by computer gurus such as Bill Gates and evolutionary biologists such as Richard Dawkins. He notes that experience teaches that software depends on many separate functionally-coordinated elements. For this reason "[m]ajor improvements to a computer program often require the addition or modification of hundreds of interdependent lines, no one of which makes any sense, or results in any improvement, when added by itself." Since individual changes to part of a genetic program typically confer no functional advantage (in isolation from many other necessary changes to other portions of the genetic code), Sewell argues, that improvements to a genetic program require the intelligent foresight of a programmer. Undirected mutation and selection will not suffice to produce the necessary information.
Four science articles from W. A. Dembski & M. Ruse, eds., DEBATING DESIGN: FROM DARWIN TO DNA (Cambridge, United Kingdom, Cambridge University Press, 2004) (hereinafter DEBATING DESIGN)
Dembksi, W.A., The logical underpinnings of intelligent design, DEBATING DESIGN, Pp.
311-330.
In this article, Dembski outlines his method of design detection. In it he proposes a rigorous way of identifying the effects of intelligent causation and distinguishing them from the effects of undirected natural causes and material mechanisms. Dembski shows how the presence of specified complexity or “complex specified information” provides a reliable marker or indicator of prior intelligent activity. He also responds to a common criticism made against his method of design detection, namely that design inferences constitute “an argument from ignorance.”
Bradley, W. L., Information, Entropy, and the Origin of Life, DEBATING DESIGN, Pp. 331-
351.
Walter Bradley is a mechanical engineer and polymer scientist. In the mid-1980's he co-authored what supporters consider a seminal critique of origin of life studies in the book The Mystery of Life’s Origins. Bradley and his co-authors also developed a case for the theory of intelligent design based upon the information content and “low-configurational entropy” of living systems. In this chapter he updates that work. He clarifies the distinction between configurational and thermal entropy, and shows why materialistic theories of chemical evolution have not explained the configurational entropy present in living systems—a feature of living systems that Bradley takes to be strong evidence of intelligent design.
Behe, M., Irreducible complexity: obstacle to Darwinian evolution, DEBATING DESIGN, Pp. 352-370.
In this essay Behe briefly explains the concept of irreducible complexity and reviews why he thinks it poses a severe problem for the Darwinian mechanism of natural selection. In addition, he responds to several criticisms of his argument for intelligent design from irreducible complexity and several misconceptions about how the theory of intelligent design applies to biochemistry. In particular he discusses several putative counterexamples that some scientists have advanced against his claim that irreducibly complex biochemical systems demonstrate intelligent design. Behe turns the table on these counterexamples, arguing that these examples actually underscore the barrier that irreducible complexity poses to Darwinian explanations, and, if anything, show the need for intelligent design.
Meyer, S. C., The Cambrian information explosion: evidence for intelligent design, DEBATING DESIGN, Pp. 371-391.
Meyer argues for design on the basis of the Cambrian explosion, the geologically sudden appearance of new animal body plans during the Cambrian period. Meyer notes that this episode in the history of life represents a dramatic and discontinuous increase in the complex specified information of the biological world. He argues that neither the Darwinian mechanism of natural selection acting on random mutations nor alternative self-organizational mechanisms are sufficient to produce such an increase in information in the time allowed by the fossil evidence. Instead, he suggests that such increases in specified complex information are invariably associated with conscious and rational activity—that is, with intelligent design.
Scott Minnich and Stephen C. Meyer, “Genetic Analysis of Coordinate Flagellar and Type III Regulatory Circuits,” Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Design & Nature, Rhodes Greece, edited by M.W. Collins and C.A. Brebbia (WIT Press, 2004).
This article underwent conference peer review in order to be included in this peer-edited proceedings. Minnich and Meyer do three important things in this paper. First, they refute a popular objection to Michael Behe’s argument for the irreducible complexity of the bacterial flagellum. Second, they suggest that the Type III Secretory System present in some bacteria, rather than being an evolutionary intermediate to the bacterial flagellum, is probably represents a degenerate form of the bacterial flagellum. Finally, they argue explicitly that intelligent design is a better than the Neo-Darwinian mechanism for explaining the origin of the bacterial flagellum.
MERE CREATION: SCIENCE, FAITH & INTELLIGENT DESIGN (William A. Dembski ed., 1998).
This book contains fifteen scientific and philosophical essays supportive of the theory of intelligent design written by Ph.D.-level scientists and philosophers. The book was edited by William Dembski, who holds two Ph.D.’s, one in mathematics from the University of Chicago, and one in philosophy from the University of Illinois.
Articles Supportive of Intelligent Design Published in Peer-Reviewed Philosophy Journals
Behe, M.J., Self-Organization and Irreducibly Complex Systems: A Reply to Shanks and Joplin, PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE 67:155-162 (March 2000)
Craig, W.L., “God, Creation, and Mr. Davies.” British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 37 (1986): 168-175
Craig, W.L., “Barrow and Tipler on the Anthropic Principle vs. Divine Design.” British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 38 (1988): 389-395.
Craig, W.L., “The Anthropic Principle.” In The History of Science and Religion in the Western Tradition: an Encyclopedia, pp. 366-368. Ed. G. B. Ferngren.
Craig, W.L., “Design and the Anthropic Fine-Tuning of the Universe.” In GOD AND DESIGN: THE TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT AND MODERN SCIENCE, pp. 155-177. (ed. Neil Manson. London: Routledge, 2003).
Cordially,
John
| From kiran (Q982. Archived Monday, 26-Jun-2006, 10:18 am. Skeptic) |
Does spirit exist? Does ghost exist?Is there any heaven or hell after death??? |
Yes God exists.
And there is a heaven (or hell) after death.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see here).
Cordially,
John
| From wantsme32458 (Q981. Archived Monday, 26-Jun-2006, 10:18 am. Skeptic) |
|
The Christian God created us to live in daily relationship with Him (based on what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross).
For a brief explanation of God's purposes in creating the Universe and human beings, see here.
Cordially,
John
| From Desdemona (Q978. Archived Monday, 26-Jun-2006, 10:18 am. Skeptic) |
...told them I'm Wiccan and threatened to turn them into a frog? |
I am a Christian.
And you do not have the power to turn me into a frog :)
Please do consider the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ (here.)
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see here).
Cordially,
John
| From pumpkin (Q976. Archived Monday, 26-Jun-2006, 10:18 am. Skeptic) |
A Question for Religious people? |
On the contrary...
As a Christian, I do not defend my beliefs because I know nothing else...
Rather...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see here.
Cordially,
John
| From IKWYA (Q974. Archived Monday, 26-Jun-2006, 10:18 am. Skeptic) |
|
If it were in my power to convert you (but without any compulsion), I would.
However it is not in my power to do so.
Why would I wish to convert you?
Because I would like to be your friend for eternity, in heaven, in the presence of the Christian God.
--
I used to be an atheist. A few Christians who cared, spent the time to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with me, and then spent the time to answer endless questions (and/or point me to books and or other resources).
Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see here.
Cordially,
John
| From Drive (Q972. Archived Monday, 26-Jun-2006, 10:18 am. Skeptic) |
Why how come when some dumb religious gets sick, they pray to there "god" that they get healed? Isnt there "god" supposably the one who gave them the disease in the first place? So do they think by praying there going to sway there "gods plan" and make there mythical god who supposably is always right in what he does, change his mind and say oh maybe your right i shouldnt have given you the disease? |
Speaking as a Christian...
When I get sick, I pray to the Christian God that he would heal me if that is within his will.
The Christian God does not give me any diseases; he permits disease. And it is indeed valid for me to pray that he take away the illness if that is in his will.
Cordially,
John
| From Nour m (Q970. Archived Monday, 26-Jun-2006, 10:18 am. Skeptic) |
I know the truth whats your take? |
All religions have varying degrees of truth within them.
However the teachings of the prophet Isa (in the Injil) are the greatest and the clearest revelation of God.
We are to submit ourselves to God based on the teachings of the prophet Isa (as described in the Injil).
Cordially,
John
| From Amanda B (Q969. Archived Monday, 26-Jun-2006, 10:18 am. Skeptic) |
|
I do pray (to the Christian God).
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see here.
Over the years I have had numerous prayers answered (more than a 100 at least) -- these have contributed to my confidence that the Christian God is for real.
Cordially,
John
| From ca_license_pl8t (Q968. Archived Monday, 26-Jun-2006, 10:18 am. Skeptic) |
Believers don't do anything to them....but they come and bash on us becuase they don't believe in God.....they say they want respect and that Christians are too pushy but why do they even come to the religion and spirituality section if they are an atheist.......must they make fun of everything that we do....they ask questions like "does anyone hate christians" or "why are christians so dumb"....why don't they just leave us alone....we want to ask the believers their opioion not theirs |
The motives vary from person to person.
Some unbelievers mock Christians because they think Christianity is stupid.
Some mock Christians because they think Christians are stupid.
Some individuals have had unpleasant experiences with individuals who called themselves Christians, and now mock Christians.
Some unbelievers have been influenced (sometimes brainwashed) by anti-Christians and so mock Christians.
I was one such individual who thought Christians are stupid.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see here.
Cordially,
John
| From Love of Truth (Q967. Archived Monday, 26-Jun-2006, 10:18 am. Skeptic) |
I once believed in such a place till I decided to follow the divine compass placed in my heart. This took a lot of strength because before then my ethos was fear based. Not only do I believe perfect love drives out all fear but I believe God is better than many fundamentalist portray the higher power to be. The Apostle Paul once killed Christians because he thought he was doing God a favor. Just goes to show how wrong you can be. I am asking this question not because I do not have my own opinions but because I think the process is important for people to work through themselves. I just hope they don't spout out something they were told but something they have discovered by not only seeing the mirror of the world but also looking deep within themselves. |
A person's punishment (in the afterlife) will be the just consequence of their life and actions on earth.
If their actions and life merits everlasting punishment, then their punishment will be eternal and everlasting.
If their actions and life merits a non-everlasting punishment, then their punishment will be non-eternal.
The Christian God is just. Any punishment that he hands out (at the judgment) will be proporational to the extent of evil and sin in a person's life.
Cordially,
John
| From IndianaZephyr (Q965. Archived Monday, 26-Jun-2006, 10:18 am. Skeptic) |
I mean, they have the same amount of solid proof... |
On the contrary...
There is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see here. ).
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see here).
Cordially,
John
| From m085z33dsfauqr (Q959. Archived Monday, 19-Jun-2006, 12:24 am. Skeptic) |
|
Jesus is God in human form.
I pray to and worship God.
Cordially,
John
| From Joa5 (Q956. Archived Monday, 19-Jun-2006, 12:24 am. Skeptic) |
I went to Barns & Noble today and picked up a copy of NewsMax magazine. Right there in big, bold, yellow letters it reads "The Da Vinci CON". Intrigued, I picked it up and read the article. Perhaps I read articles like these just to re-evaluate how ignorant people can be, I don't know. Either way, I still can't believe people are so blind. |
What is it about Brown's first book that convinces you that he is a Christian?
The Da Vinci Code itself appears to have many errors in its discussion of architecture, paintings and church history.
For an evaluation of the concepts presented in the Da Vinci Code, see
here.
Cordially,
John
| From Seekthetruth (Q953. Archived Monday, 19-Jun-2006, 12:24 am. Skeptic) |
Fellow Christians, do you believe that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone? |
In answer your question...
First we have to define three Concepts.
--
Concept #1 -- "Salvation by works" is the concept that if I do a certain number of good works then I am guaranteed entrance into heaven by God. I.e., God would owe me entrance into heaven because I have paid the price (a certain number of good works).
The Bible does not teach this kind of salvation.
--
Concept #2 -- "Salvation by head-faith" is the idea that if I intellectually believe in Jesus, then I am guaranteed entrance into heaven by God, even if my intellectual-belief results in no repentance or change in my life.
The Bible does not teach this kind of salvation.
--
Concept #3 -- "Salvation by Saving-faith" is the idea that if I truly (heart and mind) believe in Jesus, and commit my life to him, then there will be repentance and life-change and good works in my life. Given such saving-faith, I am guaranteed entrance into heaven by God.
The Bible does teach this kind of salvation.
--
When Paul (in the books of Romans, Galations, and Ephesians 2:8-9) speaks of salvation, he is teaching us that Concept #1 is false. No amount of good works that we do can make it so that God owes us entrance into heaven.
When James (in James 2:24) speaks of salvation, he is teaching us that Concept #2 is false. Mere intellectual assent to Jesus (which does not result in repentance and a change in our lives resulting in good works) will not save us.
--
So what does the Bible teach?
The Bible teaches Concept #3 (Salvation by Saving-Faith).
If I truly (heart and mind) believe in Jesus, and commit my life to him, then there will be repentance and life-change and good works in my life. Given such saving-faith, I am guaranteed entrance into heaven by God.
--
Good works by themselves will not earn us entrance to heaven.
Faith (intellectual assent) by itself will not earn us entrance to heaven.
However, Saving-Faith (which WILL result in good works) will guarantee us entrance to heaven, based on God's promise (not based on our deserving heaven).
Cordially,
John
| From Godislove (Q952. Archived Monday, 19-Jun-2006, 12:24 am. Skeptic) |
To all people who insist on believing that God doesn't exist, I will ask you to do the same as you ask us. |
Good question.
It is relevant to note that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (see here.)
Cordially,
John
| From Sakeena M (Q949. Archived Monday, 19-Jun-2006, 12:24 am. Skeptic) |
|
Jesus is God in human form.
The term Son of God is an idiomatic phrase that was used in the New Testament to convey aspects of this truth.
Other aspects were conveyed by the terms "Son of Man" (a reference to the Messianic passages in the book of Daniel) and "Logos of God", and "Word of God".
Cordially,
John
| From K-Bone (Q947. Archived Monday, 19-Jun-2006, 12:24 am. Skeptic) |
(referring to religion)? |
I have all the assurance I need that the Christian God is real.
This is in part due to scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm) and in part due to experiential reasons (discussed in link below).
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).
Cordially,
John
| From Atheist4Choice (Q945. Archived Monday, 19-Jun-2006, 12:24 am. Skeptic) |
1. The virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14) |
Yes, Mary was a virgin.
The Hebrew word Almah (from the Hebrew Old Testament) was translated by Jewish Rabbis (the top Jewish Rabbis and scholars of the day) into the Greek word Parthenos in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament).
Virgin is a valid translation (based on the linguistic usage of the time and day -- as is evidenced by the fact that the translation was made by the top Jewish Scholars of the time).
The prophecy states that Jesus would be called (referred to) as Immanuel. He was and is referred to as Immanuel.
Cordially,
John
| From Chuck S (Q942. Archived Monday, 19-Jun-2006, 12:24 am. Skeptic) |
and Jehovah is his real name |
The Bible refers to YHWH as being the name of God. An approximate pronounciation is Yahweh, not Jehovah.
The Bible uses the name YHWH for God many many times (in the Hebrew Old Testament). Out of respect for God, this has been translated into the English as LORD (Lord spelled in all capitals), in the King James Version of the Bible.
Cordially,
John
| From Skeptic Instinct (Q941. Archived Monday, 19-Jun-2006, 12:24 am. Skeptic) |
Or has christian god made it so hard for hindus? |
If you have **never** ever sinned then you will be saved.
However the truth of the matter is there are no human beings who have not sinned.
If you would like to be saved, see below.
For a brief explanation of the gospel (of salvation through Jesus Christ), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html
For a brief explanation of God's purposes in creating the Universe and human beings, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/godspurposes.html
You mention Hindus... It turns out that many Hindus who are sincerely seeking God are commiting their lives to Jesus Christ.
For instance..
I came across a Hindu woman who had received voice training, and loved to sing. She used to sing songs for romantic movies (in her native language). Gradually, however she felt that she was abusing her talent by singing for movies (which didnt inspire people) and she should start singing to bring people closer to God. So she started doing this, singing songs to the Hindu gods, recording audio-tapes of such songs and selling them (to help people grow in devotion to the Hindu gods). As she did this, she felt a strange sense of incompletion (something missing) in her worship of the Hindu gods. Still she continued with her singing and her devotion to the Hindu gods. And one day, a friend of hers (who knew she loved to sing devotional songs) gave her a devotional tape in her native language. When she took the tape home and started listening to it, she realized that the devotional songs were sung to a god named Yesu (Jesus). She listened to the tape, and the songs captivated her. So she started singing those songs as well, and went on to acquire more of such tapes, listened to them, sang those songs, and over a period of time, learned the gospel of Yesu (Jesus Christ) through the songs... and ultimately committed her life to Christ.
Many people from other faiths (and world-views) including Hinduism are commiting their lives to Christ. E.g., see
http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/00.html
Cordially,
John
| From Kiran (Q933. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 11:48 pm. Skeptic) |
I hope i can find some answer from u with reasons. |
Thank you for your message. Feel free to email me with any further questions.
Regarding Darwinian Evolution... I used to believe in it. However over time I have come to realize that all of the evidence for evolution is really evidence for Micro*evolution and the scientific evidence does not really support Macro*evolution (origin of completely new complex organs and completely new body plans -- allegedly by random chance with natural selection).
The scientific evidence simply does NOT support Macro*evolution.
For scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.html
Cordially,
John
| From m085z33dsfauqr (Q931. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 11:48 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Christianity.
There is only One God. That God is the Christian God.
Cordially,
John
| From m085z33dsfauqr (Q929. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 11:48 pm. Skeptic) |
He has no right to put any word in the Bible. he should just write his own Bible. |
Paul was given that authority by the Christian God.
Cordially,
John
| From Drive (Q928. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 11:48 pm. Skeptic) |
why does it seem like everyone is a christian today? |
Not everyone I meet is a Christian.
I wonder why you think it is pathetic that people are Christians.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
Cordially,
John
| From m085z33dsfauqr (Q927. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 11:48 pm. Skeptic) |
|
He did not.
Cordially,
John
| From Stray_dog (Q925. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 11:48 pm. Skeptic) |
Yes! It is! Cause in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, it says, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neitherthe sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor theives nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." Basically it says being gay is a sin, but it's not a sin to have natural instincts. Homo sexuality is just biological disorder not a Hell-worthy pass. Now I know not to believe everything the Bible says and formulate my own logical statements! I wonder what else is wrong? |
No. The Bible is not wrong.
Your lifestyle acting on urges or inclinations is your choice.
Cordially,
John
| From Dragon_dog (Q918. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 11:17 pm. Skeptic) |
Seriously, my family have been hog farmers for centuries. |
Interesting point :)
Cordially,
John
| From LadyLove (Q917. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 11:17 pm. Skeptic) |
okay so some think that just coz the Bible was written by humans these Words were from humans? What about the idea of the Holy Spirit REACHING OUT? And just coz other people think that the idea of religion is silly, it's enough NOT To choose to ACKNOWLEDGE His existence? And just coz there's CRIME and all that??? isn't it true that these were from the very sinful nature of Satan and human beings? And to answer the question, " WHy DO WE HAVe CRIMES and GOD CAN't SEEM TO STOP IT?" GOD GAVE MAN FREE WILL. If He is to control you to love and obey Him, that's not LOVE at all. That's opposing to the nature of a God. Coz many people say that WHY ON EARTH CAn't GOD STOP CRIMES IF HE EXISTS? Coz we were given FREE WILL to obey HIM!!! It's a CHOICE we make and it is important that we make these choices so that we will be fit for His kingdom. But He gave warnings and teachings in the Bible to let people know that all they have to do is believe in Christ, repent, and spread Good nEws. |
Enjoyed reading your question. I agree with the points you make.
Cordially,
John
| From Apostate_Rebel (Q910. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 11:17 pm. Skeptic) |
|
TV pastors are for those who are unable to attend church in person on Sunday morning.
Even for those who attend church on Sunday, listening to a good TV pastor can be encouraging and enriching.
Cordially,
John
| From Apostate_Rebel (Q909. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 11:17 pm. Skeptic) |
|
In general, yes... :)
Cordially,
John
| From IDspudnik (Q906. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 11:17 pm. Skeptic) |
(Matthew 5:28-30 NLT) |
Thank you for your kind reminder.
Cordially,
John
| From Want_me_love_me (Q905. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 11:17 pm. Skeptic) |
you either believe or you dont...who really cares...i dont...i dont believe in god or any other religion... uh oh i guess im going to hell for this question huh? =lol |
I used to not believe, but now I do believe in the Christian God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html for my journey from Atheism to Christ).
Who really cares? I do. Many others do. And the Christian God does.
And no you will not be going to hell for this question. Please choose God, the Christian God. He created for relationship with Him (as parent-child).
For a brief explanation of God's purposes in creating the Universe and human beings, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/godspurposes.html
Cordially,
John
| From LadyLove (Q902. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 11:17 pm. Skeptic) |
To those who are challenging the existence of GOD, this is for you.? |
Good question.
Actually, I went the other way.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
Also, my experience is that Atheism is a kind of Faith of its own.
Cordially,
John
| From Sandra M (Q901. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 11:17 pm. Skeptic) |
|
On the contrary, there is evidence for the existence of God.
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
Cordially,
John
| From floatingworld2 (Q898. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:40 pm. Skeptic) |
I have heard that Irenaeus circa 180 AD, contributed to the thowing out of many scriptures with equal claim to validity as the remaining 4 ,based on matters such as popularity, ease of comprehension to the multitude,o'doxy ...the Gospel of Mary, the Gospel of Truth, the Gospel of Thomas, all thrown out , not because of some divine inspiration given the early church leaders, but for reasons of political expedience and to reduce the intellectual effort required to become a Christian, until the doctrine was formed into the off-the-shelf-automatic salvation shallows that now stands - that we merely have to accept Jesus on faith and we r saved...the fact that many of these early scriptures believed that the Christ indwelling in every man was more important than the historical jesus, who was regarded as a temporary vehicle only for the Christ, which was eventually supposed to be obtainable by every LIVING human. Also Athansaius has been mentioned as the chief censor of early scripture. |
The New Testament gospels were accepted by the early Christian Church because they were written by eyewitneses of Jesus Christ (direct disciples/apostles) and/or were authenticated by eyewitnesses of Jesus Christ.
Later writings which were not written by direct disciples/apostles of Christ and were not authenticated by such disciples/apostles were rejected from the Canon.
For articles dealing with these and other topics (relevant to claims from the Da Vinci Code), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/dvc/ (the articles/video segments are addressing points brought up by the Da Vinci Code, but are relevant to your question above as well).
Cordially,
John
| From lip11 (Q897. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:40 pm. Skeptic) |
If you are a good christian, you will live an eternity with Jesus in paradise? Then why would you support pro-environmental policies? I mean, if you didn't know it was a plastic tree, would it make a difference? |
I am a Christian and I support the environment because God created the Environment and it is beautiful, and because the Christian God calls us to be Stewards of his creation.
Cordially,
John
| From Sud (Q896. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:40 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Christians share their faith because they do this in obedience to the command of Jesus Christ (to share his love, and to share the gospel with others).
Why do Christians share their Faith? See http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/sharegospel.html
Cordially,
John
| From Norman (Q895. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:40 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Nope, it was the disciple John. Young men were presented in effeminate manners in several paintings from that period.
See http://www.godsci.org/gs/dvc/ for an evaluation of this claim and the other claims of the Da Vinci Code.
Cordially,
John
| From rsn_hes_upallnite (Q892. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:40 pm. Skeptic) |
Has anyone else come to this same conclusion? |
Read your question with interest and some level of curiosity.
I'm a Christian, and am interested in what specific features of Christians (or Christianity) leads you to the conclusion you mention above.
Cordially,
John
| From huntjames32 (Q890. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:40 pm. Skeptic) |
|
The Christian God encourages us to think for ourselves.
For instance, the Christian God has provided us with scientific and intellectual evidence relevant to His existence (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html )
We are not called to just believe in God by blind irrational faith. Rather we are encouraged to think and to be rational as we seek the Christian God.
It was through such a process of thinking through the evidence that I gradually moved away from Atheism and towards Theism (and ultimately Christian Theism) (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html )
Cordially,
John
| From sayno2worries (Q889. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:40 pm. Skeptic) |
I have heard people state Catholics are not Christian this seems strange to me as Prods and Taigues both seem to believe very similar things; that JC was divine and the Son of God who came to earth and gave up his life to save you from your sins. Many protestants I know rely on the Bible, but that bible is a translation, of a translation of the Vulgate, a latin Catholic Bible. I can understand prods not liking the papacy for obvious reasons of history but then there are some very dubious protestant leaders, like $$$ obsessed televangelists., and Prince Charles, who will one day be head of the Anglicans. I know Catholicism is highly ritualised, the famous, bells and smells but then there are some weird rituals for Prods too, like those serpent handlers. |
Thank you for your post.
I am a Christian (a Protestant), and I do not hate Catholics.
I recognize that many Catholics are committed Christians.
Cordially,
John
| From Drive (Q888. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:40 pm. Skeptic) |
My vote is yes |
Thank you for your question.
I am a Christian, and I am not sure what you mean by "Christians are pathetic".
I would not be surprised if some Christians are pathetic (in whatever sense you mean), but I would not be surprised if that is also the case with individuals from any other world-view we come across in this world...
Cordially,
John
| From Sabina_Rois (Q887. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:40 pm. Skeptic) |
When I was a child I was a Christian. |
Actually I went the other way...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ ( http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
Cordially,
John
| From Hillbillies (Q886. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:40 pm. Skeptic) |
If you don't pay tithes do you go to hell? |
The Bible does not teach that you will go to hell if you dont pay tithes.
Salvation is by the Grace of God not by works we do. However true saving Faith will result in good works.
For a brief explanation of the gospel (of salvation through Jesus Christ), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html
Cordially,
John
| From Hillbillies (Q884. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:40 pm. Skeptic) |
Being God, I assume the penguin would have the omnipotence to become pregnant if it wanted to. |
In what sense would a pregnant penguin with a mohawk be God?
Or alternately, why would the God of the universe choose to manifest himself as a pregnant penguin with a mohawk?
Your post suggests that you might be skeptical regarding the existence of God.
Please be aware that there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
Cordially,
John
| From musical k (Q883. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:40 pm. Skeptic) |
And I just don't mean something you can see happening in front of you that is possible. I mean really far-fetched and extreme. |
Regarding miracles...
1. It is rational to believe that God exists (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence... for scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God).
2. If God exits, he can perform miracles.
3. Given that it is rational to believe that God exists, it is therefore rational to believe that miracles are possible.
4. I choose to be consistent and rational in my world-view and in my beliefs. Therefore I believe that miracles are possible.
Cordially,
John
| From Drive (Q882. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:40 pm. Skeptic) |
Wheel of Fortune. Todays puzzle is Three Words |
Enjoyed your post :)
Please consider the following though...
1. If Christians are Retarded then they should not be able to figure your puzzle out.
2. I figured your puzzle out. Therefore I am not retarded.
3. I am a Christian and I am not retarded (see point 2 above).
4. Therefore Christians are not retarded.
Wishing you Joy through Jesus Christ.
Cordially,
John
| From arsenic (Q880. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 9:47 pm. Skeptic) |
Free range lions. |
Commit your life to Jesus Christ. Then you wont have to fight the Christian menace any more... :)
For a brief explanation of how to come into relationship with the God of the Universe (through Jesus Christ), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html
Cordially,
John
| From Blessy_Sammy (Q877. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 9:47 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Not really...
Cordially,
John
| From alwaysbettathanyou (Q876. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 9:47 pm. Skeptic) |
How was the movie? Or was the book better? Do you think its allright to make a profit out of religious beliefs? Like for example { The Passion} Directed by Mel Gibson. It made millions. |
I read the book; havent seen the movie.
I confess that I wasnt particularly impressed with the book (too gimmicky, kind of shallow, not much depth -- and the claims in the book do not make sense to anyone who knows anything about the history of early Christianity -- e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/dvc/ for a discussion of the claims in the book).
Cordially,
John
| From LadyRebecca (Q875. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 9:47 pm. Skeptic) |
Assume a person has been a "non believer" all their life. When they ....reach old age and know that they are on the verge of death, some elderly people turn to religion as they know that they are in their final days and start to get a little bit scared. |
If the person is sincere when they commit their life to Christ, the person is saved. Assuming that they understand and accept the gospel (see below)...
For a brief explanation of the gospel (of salvation through Jesus Christ), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html
Cordially,
John
| From Manchiller (Q873. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 9:47 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Thank you for your question.
To the extent that it is possible for me to know anything, I know that the Christian God exists and that I am in a father-child relationship with Him.
See below for some reasons why I can be reasonably and rationally certain of the truth of the Christian God.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.html
Cordially,
John
| From Wanda D (Q871. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 9:47 pm. Skeptic) |
The people that know more about life dont believe in god. Why? Biologist had the lowest percentage of believers(5%) They know more about the human body than anyone. So they have a better chance of being right. Dont you think? How could theist claim to know more than these people? It feels good to be an atheist knowing this. I share a disbelief with the smartest people on earth. Who believes that god exist? The dumbist people on earth. Study shows that countries with a lowest literacy rate have the highest percentages of theists. Why? |
My experience is that scientists in general have the same amount of faith (or non-faith) as the population at large.
Having said that, the degree to which some scientists dont believe in God does not make their belief or non-belief truth...
To me, what is more important (than the numbers) is the reasons that people (including scientists) give for their belief, or non-belief.
You mention that the people who believe that god exists are the dumbest people on earth...
In response... If you read the information in the links I provide below, and then still think that I am one of the dumbest people on earth (because I am a Christian theist), then please let me know, and I will accept your judgment, with humility.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.html
For information regarding scientists who believe in God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/scientist.html
Cordially,
John
| From Pervy_Pirate (Q867. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 9:47 pm. Skeptic) |
|
The Spirit of the Lord does not force a person to do something that is contrary to the core of their being.
Samson was a soldier who fought for his people against the Philistines who were at war against the Israelites.
Cordially,
John
| From Shehab A (Q864. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 9:47 pm. Skeptic) |
i noticed that muslims do not change their religion but soooome christian people become muslim..?!?! |
On the contrary my friend.
Many Muslims are committing their lives to Christ (but have to do so in secret because a Muslim who becomes a Christian is under an automatic death sentence according to Muslim Sharia Law).
See http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/00.html and links therein for examples of Muslims coming to Christ.
Cordially,
John
| From Chazerai (Q863. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 9:47 pm. Skeptic) |
According to Christian teachings Jesus was bodily restored the Sunday following his execution by the Romans. |
In answer to your questions.
1. Jesus was circumcised.
2. On the third day after he died and was buried, he rose from the grave (this is called the Resurrection).
3. He was alive on earth for 40 days after that, and was seen alive by as much as 500 people. He then ascended into heaven.
4. What happened to the body of Jesus? Ascended to heaven. Did not stay in the grave. The atoms and molecules of Jesus' Resurrected body stayed in his Resurrected body as he ascended up to heaven (which I think is in another dimension than our physical 3 dimensions/1 time dimension).
5. Yes there is a distinction between body and spirit.
Cordially,
John
| From Drive (Q861. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 9:47 pm. Skeptic) |
At least i have class. |
I empathize with you...
Please be aware however that not all Christians are Christians because they are weak (and so need a crutch etc)... There are weak and strong people in all faiths (including Atheism).
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/...
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
Cordially,
John
| From Gibby (Q855. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 4:14 pm. Skeptic) |
I'm an atheist and I'm also a very moral person. I think being atheist gives you an even higher morality. |
My experience is that Atheism does not provide us with a universal moral code.
And, I have come across several Atheists who have admitted that one reason why they have rejected the existence of God is so that they can feel sexually liberated (to not feel the need to be celibate until marriage, and then to marry one person and be faithful to that person for life).
I agree that (in principle) there can be individual Atheists who choose to be moral. However their morality is not a logical consequence of Atheism (but rather is a result of values that have come to them from outside of Atheism).
For a relevant discussion, see
http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig.html
(The Indispensability of Theological Meta-Ethical Foundations for Morality: Theism and naturalism are contrasted with respect to furnishing an adequate foundation for the moral life. It is shown that on a theistic worldview an adequate foundation exists for the affirmation of objective moral values, moral duties, and moral accountability. By contrast, naturalism fails in all three respects. Insofar as we believe that moral values and duties do exist, we therefore have good grounds for believing that God exists. Moreover, a practical argument for believing in God is offered on the basis of moral accountability. )
-----
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
Cordially,
John
| From Light (Q852. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 4:14 pm. Skeptic) |
Did somebody here lose someone with an s name like sally shelly or stacy? Its an older female. Ok, they wanted me to tell you that she comes around you in the hallway that when you smell perfume its her presence there you know she liked to go shopping and buy perfume at Macy's she's telling me Macy's was her favorite store she also comes around what is this ring did she give you a ring before she died she passed that on to you she's telling me to remember the ring |
I'm as skeptical of this (kind of stuff) as you are... :)
Cordially,
John
| From phallacide (Q850. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 4:14 pm. Skeptic) |
or how long ago was man created? |
The Bible does not tell us how long people have been on earth. It is open to the concept that true humans (homo sapiens sapiens) have been around for on the order of 100,000 years.
Cordially,
John
| From I am Serious (Q849. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 4:14 pm. Skeptic) |
Clearly the Bible's God approved of slavery...do you?? |
The Bible does not condone Abraham's relationship with his wife's maidservant Hagar. It just records it as a fact.
Abraham's doing this (at the suggstion of his wife Sarah and with the permission of Hagar) was consistent with the practices of the time and the culture that he lived in ~2000 BC.
Regarding slavery -- the New Testament (which is the Christian's primary source of doctrine) sets an example for us in the book of Philemon -- where a slave-owner is asked by the apostle Paul to take back a slave as a brother rather than as a slave.
It was based on this example that Christians started the Abolitionist movement (the anti-slavery movement) and were successful in stopping much of the slave trade around the world.
Cordially,
John
| From truth_seeker (Q848. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 4:14 pm. Skeptic) |
Your personal opinion...not tainted with religion. |
My closest response is 7 (though not a complete response).
I believe in the Christian God.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
Cordially,
John
| From Pervy_Pirate (Q847. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 4:14 pm. Skeptic) |
|
In response to your question:
1. Samson was not a terrorist.
2. He did tend towards all-muscle no-brains at times (e.g., his relationship with Delilah).
Cordially,
John
| From Angie (Q846. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 4:14 pm. Skeptic) |
As a Christian, I think it's extremely important to do your research. After all, the Bible does state, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, MIND and strength." Sounds to me like the unbelievers haven't done THEIR research. Can I get a witness? :-) |
Very well said... I agree with you :)
There is evidence that Christianity is rational and reasonable. There is evidence for the existence of God and for the truth of Jesus Christ (see below).
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.html
Cordially,
John
| From I am Serious (Q845. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 4:14 pm. Skeptic) |
Can it be proven? How? Why do so many people quote scripture when it's clear there are so many flaws in it? Do we have to interpret it according to what's more convenient to us? It's like: "Since God approves of slavery (GENESIS and Liviticus) slavery is lawful" or "Since Lot had sex with his daughters, incest is lawful", or stuff like that (remember Ezekiel 25:17?) |
It is true that we do not typically see people living to 800 years of age now-a-days.
However, scientifically, research on ageing indicates that in principle, people could live for much longer than they do today.
Factors which accelerate aging include (a) high protein diets, (b) high cholesterol diets, (c) high sugar and processed food diets, (d) sedentary lifestyles, (e) over-eating leading to obesity, (f) alcohol consumption and abuse, (g) buildup of toxins in our systems -- some of which arise from pesticides, herbicides, preservatives in our foods, (i) exposure to free radicals, and diets which do not minimize free radicals in our systems, (j) exposure to ultraviolet radiation, (k) exposure to cosmic rays, (l) high stress lifestyles, (m) high "wanting/needing" lifestyles without contentment, (n) reduced family relationships, (o) reduced focus on the spiritual and on relationship with the God of the universe.
The majority of these factors were minimized in the lifestyles of the Biblical Patriarchs -- healthier non-sedentary lifestyles with lower stress and marketing-induced artificial-wants/needs; low toxins; natural foods.
Furthermore, I recall reading an article/synopsis by the astronomer Dr. Hugh Ross which indicated that a supernova went off in the general vicinity of the solar system (close enough for cosmic rays from the supernova to come to earth) within the time-frame after the Biblical patriarchs. This would have caused a significant increase in the cosmic ray density that humans are exposed to. Such an increase in cosmic rays would result in increased damage to our cells, resulting in a reduced life-span.
Given these factors, it is indeed possible that the Biblical patriarchs lived for much longer than we currently do.
--
Regarding slavery -- the New Testament (which is the Christian's primary source of doctrine) sets an example for us in the book of Philemon -- where a slave-owner is the apostle Paul to take back a slave as a brother rather than as a slave.
It was based on this example that Christians started the Abolitionist movement (the anti-slavery movement) and were successful in stopping much of the slave trade around the world.
--
Regarding Lot and his daughters.... the Bible does not condone such incest. It just presents the Lot and daughter event as a historical event that happened.
In fact, the Bible explicitly condemns incest (in the Leviticus laws).
Cordially,
John
| From Flight&Fight (Q844. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 4:14 pm. Skeptic) |
I do Zen :) I just like to pizz off the religous right! |
The bottom-line is that that is up to you.
Individuals who hear the Christian gospel will be held accountable for their lives, and for their response to the gospel. If they commit their lives to Christ (with sincere repentance) they are saved and will make it to heaven. If they do not commit their lives to Christ, they will end up in the negative-afterlife.
Individuals who never hear the Christian gospel, will be judged based on their response to the light they were provided. If any individual sincerely seeks the GOd of the universe, with humility and perseverance, the Christian God will reveal himself to the person. If the person commits their life to the Christian God (with sincere repentance, even if they do not know the details of the Christian gospel) they are saved and will make it to heaven. If they do not commit their lives to the Christian God, they will end up in the negative-afterlife.
For a brief explanation of the gospel (of salvation through Jesus Christ), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html
Cordially,
John
| From EarthAngel (Q843. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 4:14 pm. Skeptic) |
why do you adore him apart from biblical injunctions to do so? |
On the contrary my friend... God does exist.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.html
Cordially,
John
| From Love is the principle thi (Q841. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 4:14 pm. Skeptic) |
Why does the so called "true" religion keep evolving, Why is God changing his mind/expectations of man? |
True Christianity has not changed in its foundational doctrines/teachings since the time of Christ.
However, as cultures and languages change with time, the the local cultural practices of Christians (and the local churches) change to be relevant to the local cultures.
Cordially,
John
| From Choices (Q840. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 3:55 pm. Skeptic) |
|
I am a Christian, and I do not hate eiter gays or atheists.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
Cordially,
John
| From lowonbrain (Q839. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 3:55 pm. Skeptic) |
|
The cause of such evils (as you mention above) is human sinfulness in conjunction with human free-will choices.
Cordially,
John
| From fatasscartmans (Q836. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 3:55 pm. Skeptic) |
I am so sick of the way you whine about everything that doesn't correspond to your way of thinking. It's not my fault that you hate sex or can't find anyone to have it with you. This is the Internet, free speech reigns. Grow up and accept it. Your mommy isn't here to protect you from mere words. |
Thank you for sharing your viewpoint :)
And thank you for reminding us that free speech reigns.
I now invoke my right of free speech to invite you to come into relationship with the God of the universe (based on what Jesus did for us on the cross).
For a brief explanation of how to come into relationship with the God of the Universe, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html
Cordially,
John
| From blindguardian (Q835. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 3:55 pm. Skeptic) |
What makes you better than any other? |
You ask -- what makes you better than any other...
My response -- I am not better than any one else.
I am a sinner (who was and is inclined towards self-centeredness) who is saved by the Grace of Jesus Christ. My salvation is a free gift from God, based on what Jesus Christ did for me on the cross.
Do I think I am right (in being a Christian)? The answer is yes...
Why?
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
Cordially,
John
| From Adkit (Q834. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 3:55 pm. Skeptic) |
Even say, 2000 years from now when we surely must have gotten smart enough to take in science as our new "belief"? |
Yes, we will always have religion (even 2000 years from now, assuming humans are still around then).
The reason for this is that there is evidence for the existence of God. E.g., http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
Cordially,
John
| From abram.kelly (Q830. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 3:55 pm. Skeptic) |
I'm confused. My understanding of the Bible is that Matthew 1:23 is supposed to be quoting from Isaiah 7:14. However, the word used by Matthew is definitely "virgin", whereas the word used by Isaiah very clearly is not. Whenever a virgin is referred to in Scripture, the Hebrew "betulah" is used. |
Good question...
The word Almah can mean both young woman and virgin.
"Virgin" is a valid translation of the word Almah.
For instance, the Jewish Rabbis and Scholars/ Linguists who translated the Hebrew Tanach (Old Testament) into Greek (to form the Septuagint) many years before the Birth of Christ -- they translate the word Almah in Isiah 7:14 into the Greek word "Parthenos" which means Virgin.
When Matthew 1:23 uses the word Virgin, Matthew is using the same language/usage as the Jewish Rabbis who translated the Hebrew Tanach into the Greek Septuagint.
And Matthew's Jewish readers would have been familiar with that usage.
--
In Galatians, Paul is referring to the Humanity of Jesus Christ (hence the reference to "born of a woman")... he is emphasizing the humanity of Christ (rather than making a point regarding the Virgin birth).
--
In Romans, Paul is again referring to the humanity of Christ (hence the use of the phrase 'according to the flesh'). I.e., the phrase "according to the flesh" is not referring to a natural conception (that is not what Paul is addressing in this passage)...
--
"Seed of David" is an idiomatic phrase referring to "descendant of David"... In the Semitic cultures, an adopted son would be legally considered to be a descendant of the family line/ blood line. Joseph accepted Jesus and brought him up as his son (in that sense adopting him). And so the bloodline of Joseph would be considered as being legally applicable to Jesus.
Also, I have heard (need to check this) that following the ancestry of Mary (the mother of Jesus) also takes us up to King David. So ultimately, following the blood-line upward from Mary, would also show Jesus as being "of the seed of David".
Cordially,
John
| From turntable (Q829. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 3:55 pm. Skeptic) |
I think its because at some point in your life you ran into a Christian and had a bad experience. Or you used to be a Christian and got disappointed. Either way it seems childish. I have been a Christian my entire life and have never pushed my faith on anyone. The only time I talk about it if someones asks me about it. Why do people who hates Christians hold on to so much bitterness? |
Well said...
Cordially,
John
| From sanstheism (Q827. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 3:55 pm. Skeptic) |
He keeps putting a new experation sticker over the old one but can't seem to get rid of it. |
Religion could very well be as you describe above.
I'm not so much into religion as into relationship with the God of the Universe (through what Jesus Christ did on the cross for us).
The Christian God promises us that if we seek him with sincerity, humility and perseverance, we can come to know him. I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. (e.g., http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html )
Cordially,
John
| From floatingworld2 (Q822. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 3:55 pm. Skeptic) |
All the time I hear of 'Xians' speak of talking to God, being saved from drugs, seeing angels etc etc, but why do they then think this vindicates the Church's doctrines? |
Good question.
In Christianity, Doctrine provides the context and the interpretive framework within which to understand private spiritual experience.
As a Christian, I accept the concept that miracles can occur both within the context of Christianity as well as outside the context of Christianity (because there is indeed a supernatural realm which can be interacted with either inside or outside of Christianity).
The reason why I have come to believe that Christianity is true is the following...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.html
Ultimately, the truth of Christianity is confirmed to me by the combination of intellectual as well as personal spiritual evidence.
Cordially,
John
| From gomerkyle9 (Q819. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 2:48 pm. Skeptic) |
There are many different religions followed by many people... Would the real god, if there is one, really deny passage to those who don't believe in that religion? What if the religion you know is the only one you've ever known and it's not the "right" one? |
Good question.
You ask -- how do you know your religion is the true religion... The response is really several pages long (see below)...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
And... For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
And... For evidence for the historicity and truth of Jesus Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/jesus.html
As a Christian, I view all religions as having elements of truth in them. However, I have come to recognize that Jesus Christ is the clearest (and the most correct) revelation of God. I.e., the teachings of Jesus Christ (and the person of Jesus Christ) provide the best revelation/ understanding of God (of any worldview or religion).
Cordially,
John
| From jayslug (Q818. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 2:48 pm. Skeptic) |
I think most churches would go out of business. |
Some would. And others would not.
Cordially,
John
| From m085z33dsfauqr (Q816. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 2:48 pm. Skeptic) |
are there any christian who don't believe that God is three. and God is actually One. |
I am a Christian, and I believe that there is only ONE God.
This one God, manifests himself in three personas/persons/manifestation... for the purpose of the redemption of human beings.
Cordially,
John
| From My 2 Cents (Q813. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 2:48 pm. Skeptic) |
|
As an Evangelical Christian, I do not try to impose my faith on others.
However, I do invite people to freely choose to come into relationship with the God of the universe (based on what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross).
Why do Christians share their Faith? See http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/sharegospel.html
For a brief explanation of God's purposes in creating the Universe and human beings, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/godspurposes.html
For a brief explanation of how to come into relationship with the God of the Universe, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html
Cordially,
John
| From curious_chemical (Q808. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 2:48 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Religions maybe...
But Jesus Christ, no... He will never be universally considered to be a Mere Myth.
And the existence of God will never be universally considered to be a Myth (by all intelligent and rational people).
This is because there is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God. E.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
Cordially,
John
| From Blondie (Q804. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 2:48 pm. Skeptic) |
We see so much disregard for other's now days, especially when it comes to religon. There are even some extreme hardcore Religous people, who may be even borderline fanatical to the point that they actually "HATE" someone or a particular group of People for not practicing or believeing in the same faith as them. |
I think the origin of Hate is human sinfulness rather than religion.
If we were to eliminate all religions, humans would find some other reasons to hate one another.
In this context, it is relevant to note that Atheist Governments have killed more people in the 20th century than all religions or religious wars of the past or present. It is estimated that 70 million - 100 million people were killed by Atheist governments (i.e., governments which held Atheism as their metaphysical ideology) in the 20th century.
I would venture to state that Religions will never be elimiated (as long as there are human beings on earth). Religions exist because there is something within each of us which draws us to the supernatural, and to God.
I have felt this draw... and the draw was powerful enough to influence me away from Atheism and ultimately to the Christian God. E.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
Cordially,
John
| From Jordan (Q800. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 1:39 pm. Skeptic) |
Considering that it's kind of a nasty place. |
Nope... The Christian God is a Perfect Being.
He chose to create a world where creatures could exercise free-will, and where good and evil could be present to provide an environment where character and integrity could be developed.
These (above) result in pain and suffering on earth.
For a brief explanation of God's purposes in creating the Universe and human beings, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/godspurposes.html
Cordially,
John
| From beenthere (Q799. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 1:39 pm. Skeptic) |
Wisdom Shouts in the Streets, once we begin to understand the knowledge of wisdom, what are the ways you use this in your walk with God. |
Wisdom led me to God (from Atheism, and to Christ; e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... )
And wisdom keeps me from paths that would lead me away from God (cf: Psalm 1). And wisdom keeps me growing closer to the Christian God (enabling me to make decisions that are pleasing to God).
Cordially,
John
| From TheresNoGod (Q793. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 1:39 pm. Skeptic) |
... by whatever they hear? Basically, the three B's. |
Thank you for sharing your viewpoint in the question above.
My experience is that there are intelligent Christians (who are not brainwashed, brainless and bated) around... :)
For examples, see http://www.reasons.org, http://www.GodAndScience.org and http://www.GodSci.org
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
If after reading my life-story (link above), you feel that I am brainwashed and brainless, please do email me. I would love to dialog with you regarding the existence of God. E.g., For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
Cordially,
John
| From TheresNoGod (Q790. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 1:39 pm. Skeptic) |
I was walking down the street and a christian came up to me randomly and asked me if i was a christian and i said no and he said why not and i told him f off. Was that rude? Lets all discuss right now if that was rude on my behalf or on the behalf of the person who was obsessed with what religion i am |
If you thought the Christian (above) was rude, I apologize to you on his behalf. If he thought you were rude to him, I would encourage him to not let his chagrin keep him from sharing Christ with others.
I am a Christian, and I invite you to come into relationship with the God of the Universe (based on what Jesus Christ did for you and for me on the cross). For a brief explanation of how to come into relationship with the God of the Universe, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.htm...
I have nothing to gain by your accepting or rejecting my invitation. I invite you to come to Christ, purely out of obedience to Jesus Christ (and I would also like to see you in heaven one day)...
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
Cordially,
John
| From kickysoccer (Q788. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 1:39 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Not at all :)
The claims of the book are not substantiated by any credible historical evidence....
Cordially,
John
| From DarkMan (Q786. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 1:39 pm. Skeptic) |
Do you think Christians will become Jews, Muslims or Pagans in case somehow, someday, a real evidence that Jesus was a mortal prophit appeared and the lies of the Church got exposed? |
There is no credible historical evidence to substantiate the DVC's claims about Jesus. I conclude that the DVC is false.
In response to your question above, if Jesus turned out to be married, that does not invalidate Christianity in any way (so Christians can continue to be Christians).
Cordially,
John
| From MRose (Q784. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 1:39 pm. Skeptic) |
it seems like everyone jumps in with "christ said this" and they have such strong stands against homosexuality and promiscuity, birth control, so on and so forth. but they dont even read, or truely understand, the book that they live by. i feel like most ppl only believe it because theyre told. |
In response to your question above, I am an Evangelical Christian, and I have read the Bible.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. (For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/...
During the time when I was considering Christianity (in particular), I read the entire Bible... and have read the Bible several times since commiting my life to Christ.
During the period of my spiritual search, I also read the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, the book of Mormon (as well as writings from other religions).
Cordially,
John
| From cooley_54 (Q762. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:10 am. Skeptic) |
|
I am not sure why anyone would lie about whether they believe in heaven... What motivation would they have to lie?
I believe in heaven.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ.
For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
Cordially,
John
| From mageapprentice (Q761. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 10:10 am. Skeptic) |
worshipping as they please? The only reason people are allowed to worship as they please is because the founding fathers realized that if the government got into the business of religion, this country would descend into anarchy and non-stop religious wars. |
Thank you for sharing your viewpoint.
Enjoyed reading your post. :)
Cordially,
John
| From mini (Q759. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 12:39 am. Skeptic) |
I was raised Christian, but lately, I've grown afraid of them. I listen on TV and they seem rabid, spew hatred and look crazed or dazed. Is It me or Them? I would like to continue the religion, but they scare me to death. |
Please be aware that the mainstream media in general appear to be biased against Christianity.
As a result, they seem to tend to broadcast examples of statements by people who may call themselves Christian but who are not necessarily really following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The more extreme a sect (or cult) which claims themselves to be Christian, the more likely (it seems) the media is to broadcast statements by them.
Also, it is relevant to note that God is interested in a personal relationship with each of us (as his children), based on what Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross. It really does not matter whether we have been raised Christian (culturally) or not...
If you have not committed your life to Jesus Christ, please do consider doing so... For a brief explanation of the gospel (of salvation through Jesus Christ), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html
Cordially,
John
| From m085z33dsfauqr (Q758. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 12:39 am. Skeptic) |
Read the 10 commendments: |
I am a Christian. I do not worship statues (and neither does the Christian church that I attend).
There is only One True God, and He is the Christian God.
Cordially,
John
| From Lucid (Q757. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 12:39 am. Skeptic) |
And i see people who lost someone close to them by they got murdered or whatever, there crying and throwing them self on the floor and screaming going crazy and everything and then i think, if they believe in an after life and that they'll see them again, why are they acting so hostile and out of control as if they'll never see them again? Isn't a few years on earth without them nothing compared to the supposed eternity they think they will see them in the "after life"? So why are they so out of control? |
A truly committed Christian does not feel the extent of hopelessness and grief (at losing a loved one) that those who are not truly committed Christians experience.
I have known many committed Christians who have been comforted by the knowledge that they will see their loved ones again in the presence of the Christian God (assuming that their loved ones had committed their lives to Christ, as per http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html for instance).
Cordially,
John
| From wleef2002 (Q753. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 12:39 am. Skeptic) |
People of "faith" often say that we humans are despicable, and we're always sinning. But if God hates sin so much, and if we humans just can't keep from doing it, then why is it that God even cares for us at all, much less "loves" us? |
Humans are of infinite worth in the sight of God. They are of enough worth (in the eyes of God) for God to come down in the form of Jesus Christ and to suffer on the cross to enable reconciliation between human beings and God.
God created us with free will. We exercise this free will, sometimes for good and sometimes for evil.
God created our universe and us for a specific purpose, e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/godspurposes.html
God's purpose is to grow us into the kind of beings who will be a joy to be with (and fellowship with) for eternity.
He cares for us because he sees this potential in us (to be his Children for eternity; i.e., to grow into becoming the kind of creatures who will be a joy to be with and to fellowship with for eternity.
Cordially,
John
| From Chris C (Q750. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 12:39 am. Skeptic) |
|
Not intentionally so...
Possibly by random chance on one flight or the other.
Cordially,
John
| From EarthAngel (Q749. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 12:39 am. Skeptic) |
rapidly followed by the intellectuals. Soon, artists come into the firing line.? |
The same thing has happened (historically) when Atheists have taken over a country...
I.e., we have seen this systematically done when Communist Atheists have taken over various nations...
Cordially,
John
| From pacificwaves8 (Q744. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 12:39 am. Skeptic) |
|
There should be a balance in all things.
It is ok to be curious about things like Armageddon (and to study what the Bible says on this topic), but it is also possible to become obsessed with such future events (to the extent that we do not focus on being good stewards of the talents that God has provided us, as Christians, to serve in his Kingdom on earth).
Cordially,
John
| From frostbitten (Q743. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 12:39 am. Skeptic) |
Should everyone read the entire bible before deciding if they believe it or not? I have no answer of my own, I just wonder what people think? |
I would say no.
Before I came to the conclusion that the Christian God is for real, I had not read the Bible from cover to cover. I had read portions of the Bible.
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
A relevant question is "In what Order should I read the Bible?" For a recommended order, see, http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/readbible.html
Cordially,
John
| From mark_intotdeauna (Q742. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 12:39 am. Skeptic) |
following a religion is a big choice in life. probably a bigger choice then choosing who will run your country. religion is choosing how you think how and why we are here. it's choosing how you will run your own life. it's choosing on who or what is the Boss of the universe. |
Should religions have age-restrictions?
My answer is no.
Parents are ultimately responsible for their children (not governments). It should be up to the parents regarding how to bring up their children and whether to bring up their children in a particular faith (whether that be Atheism, or any form of Theism).
My dad was an Atheist. He used this freedom (mentioned above) to influence me to Atheism.
Later on, as an independent adult, however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html )
Cordially,
John
| From too_many_xians_so_few_lio (Q741. Archived Sunday, 18-Jun-2006, 12:39 am. Skeptic) |
|
My response to this question would depend on how different Satan was (compared to what the Bible presents him as).
Having said that --- I have had enough experience with the Christian God and the Christian Bible to recognize that the odds are extremely low that the Bible is wrong about Satan...
Cordially,
John
| From gaarakazekage (Q740. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:52 pm. Skeptic) |
I think so. i want to know if there is anyone else out there that thinks the same. |
I am a Christian, and I would not try to burn people's books.
I have read the writings of many atheists (without buring their books) and have the scriptures of the major world religions at my home (and have read them without buring them).
I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (cf: http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html )
And I did not burn any of my past atheist books after commiting my life to Christ.
Cordially,
John
| From wtfh4xlol111 (Q739. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:52 pm. Skeptic) |
I know some people like the Bible's version of the creation of man, and others support the idea that we evolved from a common ancestor with apes. But don't you think the scientific community's ideas on where humans came from is more interesting? |
I think both stories are interesting.
Through the years, I have been open to either story being the right one.
However as I looked at the evidence through the years, I have come to the conclusion that both sides are wrong (i.e., the Traditional Creationists -- 6000 year old earth etc are wrong; and the Atheistic Evolutionists -- are also wrong).
The best fit to the evidence I find is something called Old-Earth Creationism.
For more detail regarding Old Earth Creationism, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/crea/oec.html
Ultimately, I am interested in Truth (i.e., which version is True), and the best fit to the evidence points to The Middle Path (old-earth creationism) being true rather than the Right (young-earth creationism) or the Left (atheistic evolutionism).
Cordially,
John
| From hpotter4ever2000 (Q737. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:52 pm. Skeptic) |
I'm trying not to offend anybody, but it does seem to me that some Christians take the bible a little to literal; to the point that it seems that they worship the Bible. (Meaning if it's not in the bible, then it's not true) I would just like to hear some opinions about this statement. Please... no offensive remarks and if you mention others beliefs, please do it with respect. Also, no bible quotes, they just usually take up space and I don't want you to use the Bible as your source of proof, I want to hear from you. |
Good question :)
In response...
I am a Christian, and I do not worship the Bible.
I use the Bible as a text to learn more about the Christian God and how to grow closer to Him.
Cordially,
John
| From Lucid (Q736. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:52 pm. Skeptic) |
Is there a reason why you are ignoring facts in order for to believe in your myths? |
I confess that I was amused by your implied insult (ReTards; ReligiousTards)... :)
I do not mean that statement to be patronising in any way.
Please note that I am NOT a Creationist (in the traditional sense; 6000 year earth etc).
However, I do NOT believe in Macro*Evolution either.
From a Scientific and Intellectual viewpoint, there is evidence for Micro*Evolution (adaptation; change within species; limited speciation).
However there is no real evidence/ proof for Macro*Evolution (unguided formation of completely new body plans/ phyla; unguided formation of completely new complex organs).
I used to be an atheist and used to believe in Macro*Evolution. (Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
And over time, I grew increasingly disillusioned with Macro*Evolution as well. E.g. for scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.html
I recognize now that Macro*Evolution is basically an Atheist Faith (and is held to by Atheist or Deist Faith).
Cordially,
John
| From TLCNJ19 (Q726. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:52 pm. Skeptic) |
"If you love someone, you don't want them to suffer.You want to take their sufferings on yourself. If even I feel this way, why doesn't God?" - T.S. Elliot |
When Jesus suffered on the cross, He took upon himself the suffering we deserve (for our rebellion against God, for the evil we do, for the people we hurt by your actions or by our inaction).
Anyone who repents and commits their life to God (based on what Jesus did for us on the cross) will be spared any suffering in Eternity.
For a brief explanation of the gospel (of salvation through Jesus Christ), see http://www.godsci.org/gs/new/essence.html
Cordially,
John
| From ddmovies (Q725. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:52 pm. Skeptic) |
|
There were only four that were written by and/or authenticated by the immediate disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of Matthew -- was written by Matthew, an immediate disciple of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of Mark -- was a compilation of the teachings of Simon Peter (an immediate disciple of Jesus Christ), written down by Mark (a disciple of Peter). These writings were authenticated by the disciple Peter as being authentic.
The Gospel of Luke -- was based on eye-witness testimonies compiled by Luke, a physician and co-traveller with the apostle Paul. The writings of the Apostle Paul are authenticated by the Disciple Peter, and the writings of Luke are authenticated by the Apostle Paul.
The Gospel of John -- was written by John, an immediate disciple of Jesus Christ.
For overviews of the various books of the Bible, including the gospels mentioned above, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/bible.html
Cordially,
John
| From Anti_Fascism (Q721. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:52 pm. Skeptic) |
The bishops (wealthy land-owners) at the Council of Nicea sorted through hundreds of gospels and magically decided which ones were truly the word of God to be put in the Bible and which ones weren't. Do you really trust these people to be gatekeepers for the Word of God knowing that Satan could also deceive men at that time? |
On the contrary my friend...
The Council of Nicea did not determine what books went into the Bible.
Cordially,
John
| From smittyj20 (Q718. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:12 pm. Skeptic) |
Ever heard of the seperation of church and state? Why must Christians feel the need to inflict the view of creationism on the public school system? A system which embraces numerous races and beliefs? |
I am a Christian, and recognize very well that the world does not revolve around Christianity.
Having said that, the world continues to revolve due to the kindness and grace of the Christian God.
There is scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.html
Re Creationism, I am not a traditional Creationist (in the sense of 6000 year old earth etc). I am an Old-earth Creationist (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/crea/oec.html )
I do not believe that either Creationism (in the 6000 year sense) OR Macro*Evolutionism (which is an Atheist faith) should be taught dogmatically in the schools (using my taxes).
Re Macro*Evolutionism, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.html (for scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution).
Re the DVC -- I am not fearful of it. That book does not threaten my faith.
Christianity at large is NOT threatened by enlightenment.
On the contrary, it is by the light of Christ that we are able to see (to paraphrase C.S. Lewis rather loosely).
Cordially,
John
| From Anti_Fascism (Q717. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:12 pm. Skeptic) |
How did we get from the thousands of written Gospels to the few we have now? Details please. |
Answering your question, focusing specifically on the New Testament.... (since that is the primary text on which Christianity is founded).
The four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) were recognized by the early Christian Church (substantially before Constantine) as being authentic because those 4 gospels were written by immediate disciples of Jesus (Matthew, John) and/or were authenticated by the immediate disciples and apostles of Jesus (in the case of Mark and Luke).
Later writings by groups or individuals in other countries and times were not recognized as canonical because they were not written by immediate disciples of Jesus Christ and/or were not authenticated by immediate disciples/apostles of Jesus Christ.
The rest of the New Testament are writings by disciples/apostles that are consistent with the teachings of the four gospels.
Cordially,
John
| From rbmath2000 (Q716. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:12 pm. Skeptic) |
The Theory Of Evolution: The Great Myth |
Excellent question.
Ultimately people believe in Evolution because they want to believe that God does not exist and/or he did not participate in creating life on earth.
There is evidence for Micro*Evolution (adaptation; change within species; limited speciation).
However there is no real evidence/ proof for Macro*Evolution (unguided formation of completely new body plans/ phyla; unguided formation of completely new complex organs).
I used to be an atheist and used to believe in Macro*Evolution. (Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html
And over time, I grew increasingly disillusioned with Macro*Evolution as well. E.g. for scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.html
I recognize now that Macro*Evolution is basically an Atheist Faith (and is held to by Atheist or Deist Faith).
Cordially,
John
| From icarus62 (Q715. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:12 pm. Skeptic) |
If you believe in the existence of a god who created this universe then everything in it is his work, including the evidence for evolution, whereas the bible is undeniably the work of man. Why would a believer want to reject the evidence of their god's handiwork and believe other men instead? Isn't that heresy, or something? |
Before I answer -- please be aware that I am NOT a Creationist (in the traditional sense, 6000 year earth etc). Having said that...
There is evidence for Micro*Evolution (adaptation; change within species; limited speciation).
However there is no real evidence/ proof for Macro*Evolution (unguided formation of completely new body plans/ phyla; unguided formation of completely new complex organs).
I used to be an atheist and used to believe in Macro*Evolution. (Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/...
And over time, I grew increasingly disillusioned with Macro*Evolution as well. E.g. for scientific and intellectual critiques of evolution, see http://www.godsci.org/gsi/apol/evo/00.html
I recognize now that Macro*Evolution is basically an Atheist Faith (and is held to by Atheist or Deist Faith).
Cordially,
John
| From bashbrother6996 (Q713. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:12 pm. Skeptic) |
|
Thank you for this reminder.
I am a Christian, and I hope to be able to answer questions about Christianity without getting "bent out of shape".
Cordially,
John
| From sparky3489 (Q712. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:12 pm. Skeptic) |
So what if Jesus had a wife and children. Would that be so bad? |
The point is not whether it would be bad for Jesus to have a wife and children.
The point is whether there is historical evidence to support the notion that Jesus was married and had children.
And the point is that there is no credible historical evidence that Jesus was married and had a child (or children).
Also, you assert that the Bible is full of holes and mistranslations etc... but I havent seen any credible evidence to prove that to be the case.
Rather, Can we believe the Bible? See http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/bible.html
Cordially,
John
| From Rev. Kip (Q707. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:12 pm. Skeptic) |
Sometimes atheists will construct an argument against Christianity that does not reflect a true Christian position. For example, one atheist stated that the Trinity was illogical because three gods could not be one God. I had to correct him and show him that the Trinity is the doctrine that there is only one God in three persons, not three gods. |
I have often wondered this myself.
Over a period of time this behavior (by atheists) turned me off to Atheism... (I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/... )
I have also grown to realize that there are NO strong arguments FOR Atheism... and there strong arguments FOR the existence of God (e.g., for scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence... )
It is possible that atheists have to resort to straw man arguments because they do not have (a) a strong case for Atheism, and (b) they do not have rational proofs against the case for the existence of God.
All that atheist straw-man arguments have accomplished through the years, is to move me further away from Atheism, and more towards Theism (and Christianity).
Cordially,
John
| From siamsalem007 (Q705. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:12 pm. Skeptic) |
*Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.* |
The name of God is YHWH (Yahweh). That is the name of the Father, the name of the Son, and the name of the Holy Spirit.
There is ONE God, who manifests himself in three personas/ persons/ manifestations (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
For an explanation (and defense) of the doctrine of the Trinity, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/sect/doc/trinity.html
Cordially,
John
| From jim_darwin (Q704. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:12 pm. Skeptic) |
You are found guilty of murder and sentanced to the electric chair. You must choose how to be executed. An appeal is being made and has 99% chance of being successful, but i the meantime you have to hypothetically choose . . . |
F. To die of old age, at God's timing.
Cordially,
John
| From Rev. Kip (Q703. Archived Saturday, 17-Jun-2006, 11:12 pm. Skeptic) |
Sometimes atheist assert that there is no proof that God exists. The only problem is that an atheist cannot logically make that claim. |
Well said.
---
1. I have come to realize that Strong Atheism is foundationally irrational... A Strong Atheist asserts that "there is no God". How does he know this? To know that there is no God, the Strong Atheist would have to be Omniscient, and therefore be God himself. And by being Omniscient God, his existence would contradict his own statement that there is no God.
---
2. The truth of the matter is that there is no absolute proof for ANYTHING apart from the fact that some ONE mind exists (let us assume you are that mind; you could be imagining everything else, including the universe and the text I am typing up; however, as Decartes showed, you have absolute proof that you, as a mind, exist; "you think, therefore you are"; to reject that proof would be irrational; NOTHING else can be proved with that degree of absolute certainity, including the existence of the physical universe, and including the existence of other minds besides your own)...
Sometimes, when Atheists say there is no proof that God exists, they are selectively us