Humans did NOT evolve from the common ancestor of Apes

[Renji]

Any scientist that has studied the big bang will tell you that it was indeed an episode of light entering into existence. Light was the first biproduct of the big bang.

Sure thing (heck, forgot to include the word 'alone'). You said it right, it's a bi product. But on contrary, creationism account did not speak about the expansion of the universe and that it was actually from different particles (including light). Creationism or the verse from Genesis taught that everything came from nothing. I don't even know why a person could mistakenly link such thing to a scientific fact while it states otherwise.

 

[Renji]

Of course. As with all disagreements, there were differences of opinion.

Because?

 

[Sonofason]

That's all fine and good, but have you ever done serious biblical exegesis, or taken any graduate-level courses in biblical criticism, because that's really what's needed here.

By the way, I am curious, which graduate-level course did you take in biblical criticism, and at which university did you take it?

 

[sojourner]

Yes, that very same nonsense that you have time and time again been incapable of refuting.

I have no idea what you're talking about. You've been the one making wild claims about what the bible does and doesn't say, and making up what is literal and what is figurative, without being able to establish those claims in any sort of exegetical or critical analysis.

 

[Renji]

I have no idea what you're talking about. You've been the one making wild claims about what the bible does and doesn't say, and making up what is literal and what is figurative, without being able to establish those claims in any sort of exegetical or critical analysis.

Exactly the reason why christianity is so split up. Fanatics lack even the fundamental 'truths' of their own scripture and instead base their beliefs on their personal interpretation of it (not poking on any religion here though).

 

[sojourner]

By the way, I am curious, which graduate-level course did you take in biblical criticism, and at which university did you take it?

Not simply "one graduate-level course." Try a full graduate degree program at an accredited institution.

 

[sojourner]

Exactly the reason why christianity is so split up. Fanatics lack even the fundamental 'truths' of their own scripture and instead base their beliefs on their personal interpretation of it (not poking on any religion here though).

I disagree. Many, if not most of the denominational splits are based on pretty solid theological claims and differences of viewpoint. Study rarely leads to uniformity. Since the texts are, by nature, multivalent, any number of tenable interpretations can be formulated and put into practice. Xy isn't based on uniformity. The imperial and Catholic church tried to make it so, but it's not so. Xy is based on unity through diversity. The original disciples didn't even agree completely.

 

[Sonofason]

Because?

There are many reasons.
1. some people only see what they want to see.
2. there are disagreements over interpretations of the Bible.
3. some people use religion as a means for personal gain.
4. oftentimes disagreements are taken personally, and new denominations are created for the purpose of disassociation.
5. Christians are people, and like all people, Christians still struggle with pride, selfishness, and stubbornness, and this means they sometimes respond to relational conflict poorly.
I suppose there are likely other reasons for there being so many denominations of Christianity, but I see them all as being relatively the same. A Christian is a follower of Christ. And that is really the crux of the matter. Everything else is secondary nonsense.

 

[Sonofason]

Not simply "one graduate-level course." Try a full graduate degree program at an accredited institution.

Well, congratulations. That is saying something.

 

[angellous_evangellous]

That's fine. You have every right to wonder.

That was rhetorical.

 

[angellous_evangellous]

I consider all sides of an argument before I draw my conclusions.

It is not becoming of someone such as yourself to lie.

 

[angellous_evangellous]

That's all fine and good, but have you ever done serious biblical exegesis, or taken any graduate-level courses in biblical criticism, because that's really what's needed here.

I respectfully disagree. While someone with training has a great advantage, there are many folks with a genuine interest who find their way nicely -- at least enough to come to a respectable understanding of Scripture, the ancient world, and whatever else interests them.

We can't shut off understanding to only the academically educated. Now I know that understanding the ancient world has many unique academic challenges, but with so much of that available online, if someone reads a bit... well, you see where I'm going.

I'm delighted to see that our friend has some rudimentary reading in the basics -- unfortunately reading with the same low level of understanding as he reads the Scripture -- it's still better than nothing. I remember when I read the Church Fathers for the first time and how it inspired me... and not knowing Greek or anything else, that first reading still informs me.

It would be wonderful if our friend shed his biases and at least had respect for critical methods and the theology it produces [or rather, the theologies that interact with it] - all of that reading will serve him well.

As it is now, it's all merely a justification for being wrong.

 

[angellous_evangellous]

By the way, I am curious, which graduate-level course did you take in biblical criticism, and at which university did you take it?

For me -
36 undergraduate hours
36 graduate hours
36 hours of languages
48 doctoral hours
doctoral exams [with honors]
language exams
doctoral dissertation published as book by an academic press
[published a chapter in an academic journal while I was writing the book]

six years experience teaching - four as TA, two as professor
- teaching graduates at a seminary
- teaching undergrads at a college
- you'll love this - I'm developing courses for a new seminary

 

[Sonofason]

That was rhetorical.

That's fine. What I just said was rhetorical as well.

 

[Sonofason]

For me -
36 undergraduate hours
36 graduate hours
36 hours of languages
48 doctoral hours
doctoral exams [with honors]
language exams
doctoral dissertation published as book by an academic press
[published a chapter in an academic journal while I was writing the book]

six years experience teaching - four as TA, two as professor
- teaching graduates at a seminary
- teaching undergrads at a college
- you'll love this - I'm developing courses for a new seminary

This is all very wonderful news.

 

[angellous_evangellous]

This is all very wonderful news.

I know that it means nothing to you.

But it does illustrate how badly you are embarrassing yourself.

 

[Sonofason]

I know that it means nothing to you.

But it does illustrate how badly you are embarrassing yourself.

Well no, I'm not really all that embarrassed. But your right, I'm not all that impressed with a man's credentials.

 

[Sonofason]

Sure thing (heck, forgot to include the word 'alone'). You said it right, it's a bi product. But on contrary, creationism account did not speak about the expansion of the universe and that it was actually from different particles (including light). Creationism or the verse from Genesis taught that everything came from nothing. I don't even know why a person could mistakenly link such thing to a scientific fact while it states otherwise.

No, no, the first thing that came out of the Big Bang was indeed light. For me to have said bi-product was a mis-statement.

 

[Sonofason]

I have no idea what you're talking about. You've been the one making wild claims about what the bible does and doesn't say, and making up what is literal and what is figurative, without being able to establish those claims in any sort of exegetical or critical analysis.

Interesting, and with your vast education on the bible, neither have you.

 

[angellous_evangellous]

Well no, I'm not really all that embarrassed.

No kidding.