What convinced you that Evolution is the truth?

[Dan From Smithville]

So, even if we say we believe in God, and some explain that we do consider ourselves Christian, that's not good enough for you and imply that we are lying?

I think that is exactly correct. I see no other reason for bringing this up incessantly and directing it only at people that clearly do not agree that a small faith group is in sole possession of the "real truth" or that there is only one right way to interpret the Bible and that is literally.

 

[Dan From Smithville]

@Subduction Zone I give @Dan From Smithville kudos for explaining in part why he believes in God. Thank you, Dan.

I've done that since I got on here. I don't need nor did I ask for anyone's validation of my faith.

 

[Dan From Smithville]

I can ask with the entitlement you have for asking me why I would like to know their reasons for believing in God and evolution. So far--and I appreciate the answers, one says he believes in God because the theory of evolution does not say there is no God, and another says he believes in God because God gave him a mind, senses, the intellect and the curiosity to examine this world around us that we were gifted with.

I don't recognize your entitlement.

 

[YoursTrue]

I think that is exactly correct. I see no other reason for bringing this up incessantly and directing it only at people that clearly do not agree that a small faith group is in sole possession of the "real truth" or that there is only one right way to interpret the Bible and that is literally.

I believe that is wrong, but yes, I find it very interesting to see expressions of other people's faith or lack of it.

 

[YoursTrue]

I don't recognize your entitlement.

That is ok. And we do have freedom of choice. So thanks for that.

 

[YoursTrue]

I think that is exactly correct. I see no other reason for bringing this up incessantly and directing it only at people that clearly do not agree that a small faith group is in sole possession of the "real truth" or that there is only one right way to interpret the Bible and that is literally.

It is certainly not "exactly correct." I leave it there.

 

[Valjean]

believing in Gods ---- as in the Bible .. and associated near east mythology and religious belief .. explains evolution .. the creative force .. the all spark .. of which there is one .. but there are other Gods .. with varying degrees of control over the All spark.

When you see order arise from the Chaos .. get up on two feet and begin to walk towards you .. thats when you know there was a directional force in play --- driving that result .. call it "The hand of a God" if you like .. just not "The Hand of God" .. as this assumes too much and misses the point.

Such a conclusion doesn't follow; it's an argument from ignorance.
Before concluding that order arose from magic (Goddidit!), you should consider the non-magical explanations revealed by science.

 

[Saved by grace 2]

In my view and understanding, God gave me a mind, senses, the intellect and the curiosity to examine this world around us that we were gifted with. To deny what is found there, is in my mind, as much a denial of God, the same judgment that you bequeath on others, without the authority to do so spiritually or factually.

What judgement am I personally bequeathing?

And as for the absolute beauty of God's creation, I praise him for what I see and get to witness every single Day! The awesome wonder of my children and my grandchildren, the beauty of flowers, plants, trees, all the thousands of creatures around us, and the magnificent skies where as every day brings forth a different sunset and sunrise. All of these Scream creation to me, and I worship the One who created all of this for US.

But if what you mean is I don't give credit to anything or anyone else for these Gifts other than God, I am guilty and absolutely see no need to? And to do so would mean I really don't believe in him. That would be similar to saying I love my wife and that she is the only one for me, that I belong to her and she to me, but then seeing another woman, leaving my wife behind and chasing after her.

The reason we worship God, and only give him the Glory for this world and all the universe, is because we know he is who he says he is. Creator of everything!
And if that offends you, and others, ALthough I really do not mean or intend to, it doesn't matter ultimately, what matters is my relationship with the one who breathed life into me.

 

[YoursTrue]

I'm sorta busy for now but let me provide this link to a theologian who's belief in God pretty much parallels mine: Baruch Spinoza - Wikipedia

thank you for offering your idea of who or what god is. I am happy I do not share that view,but thanks anyway. It helps to understand what you think.

 

[YoursTrue]

I think that is exactly correct. I see no other reason for bringing this up incessantly and directing it only at people that clearly do not agree that a small faith group is in sole possession of the "real truth" or that there is only one right way to interpret the Bible and that is literally.

You may believe it is not necessary to know what or how a person thinks about God, and it's obvious that some others will agree with you, but I do not agree that the questions are not necessary. Thanks again for expressing your viewpoint, much appreciated.

 

[Saved by grace 2]

utting in here I know and sorry but, as a point of clarification, .which Genesis to Revelation are we referring to ? the age old "which Bible is the correct one" puzzle that no one has ever solved .. untill now .. and I am excited to hear .. which version my dear to which I should Run .. if I really want God's Honest Truth ?

To clarify, I meant the Bible which we have as one book but many books within it, where as the first 5 books were written by Moses, and from there written by several various writers thru out the next several hundred years, (Old Testament). The when Jesus came to earth 2,000. years ago, which is historically documented to have lived at that time by even other non religious writings, the NEw testament was written by some who followed him at the time of his life, and then those who became believers after his death burial and resurrection! (New Testament) This is the same book it always has been since it was compiled by Jerome in the 4th century, and then canonized in the 1,500s. So the Book of Genesis and all books in between that and the LAST BOOK REVELATION, are what I am referring to.

 

[Valjean]

And as for the absolute beauty of God's creation, I praise him for what I see and get to witness every single Day! The awesome wonder of my children and my grandchildren, the beauty of flowers, plants, trees, all the thousands of creatures around us, and the magnificent skies where as every day brings forth a different sunset and sunrise. All of these Scream creation to me, and I worship the One who created all of this for US.

Why do you attribute these awesome wonders to a god; and how did you choose which god to attribute them to?
Are there not other, well evidence explanations for all these things?

But if what you mean is I don't give credit to anything or anyone else for these Gifts other than God, I am guilty and absolutely see no need to? And to do so would mean I really don't believe in him.

I wasn't aware that personal needs were valid epistemic arguments.
Failing to consider all valid or evidenced sides of an issue renders a conclusion irrational, does it not?

That would be similar to saying I love my wife and that she is the only one for me, that I belong to her and she to me, but then seeing another woman, leaving my wife behind and chasing after her.

So loyalty to a conclusion/claim, regardless of evidenced alternatives, is reasonable and justifiable?

The reason we worship God, and only give him the Glory for this world and all the universe, is because we know he is who he says he is. Creator of everything!

But how do you "know" this?
Is this belief based on any objective evidence or empirical testing, or just on what you were taught by parents and friends before the age of reason?

And if that offends you, and others, ALthough I really do not mean or intend to, it doesn't matter ultimately, what matters is my relationship with the one who breathed life into me.

No offense, just epistemic skepticism and curiosity.

 

[Saved by grace 2]

There has never been more scrutiny and criticisms against any one book other than the Bible, And there is very good reason for it, but never the less it still stands the test of Time. The accusations that you make are either of no importance or lies. You said "We Know". Other than making these unsubstantiated remarks, what real evidence do you have.

If you only read the Bible then you are only using circular reasoning. We know that Genesis is a book of myths. We know that even if there was an Exodus, and that is quite dubious, that it was nothing like the Bible version. I will leave the countless flaws in the Old Testament behind and point out that the birth of Jesus was ten years later in Luke than it was in Matthew. There are errors to be found all throughout the Bible. more scrutiny

 

[Valjean]

To clarify, I meant the Bible which we have as one book but many books within it, where as the first 5 books were written by Moses, and from there written by several various writers thru out the next several hundred years, (Old Testament). The when Jesus came to earth 2,000. years ago, which is historically documented to have lived at that time by even other non religious writings, the NEw testament was written by some who followed him at the time of his life, and then those who became believers after his death burial and resurrection! (New Testament) This is the same book it always has been since it was compiled by Jerome in the 4th century, and then canonized in the 1,500s. So the Book of Genesis and all books in between that and the LAST BOOK REVELATION, are what I am referring to.

But this is folklore!
What serious scholar, who's actually studied the evidence, believes this?

 

[Valjean]

There has never been more scrutiny and criticisms against any one book other than the Bible, And there is very good reason for it, but never the less it still stands the test of Time.

Yes -- amongst the faithful. Not amongst those who have actually researched it, as you previously advocated.

The accusations that you make are either of no importance or lies. You said "We Know". Other than making these unsubstantiated remarks, what real evidence do you have.

If they're of no importance, then so is your faith. Ie: if you value it, why is its ontological veracity of no importance to you?

As for evidence, you're the one making the claim; the burden of proof is yours.
Nevertheless, even the most casual Google-search of serious, objective, non-religious sites will reveal abundant evidence of Biblical contradictions, addenda, and factual absurdities.

If you want to discuss specific claims, I'm open to discussion.

 

[Saved by grace 2]

Go ahead and tell me what I have already have heard for over the 30 years I have been studying the scriptures.

f you want to discuss specific claims, I'm open to discussion.

 

[Subduction Zone]

There has never been more scrutiny and criticisms against any one book other than the Bible, And there is very good reason for it, but never the less it still stands the test of Time. The accusations that you make are either of no importance or lies. You said "We Know". Other than making these unsubstantiated remarks, what real evidence do you have.

Not true at all. For most of its existence it got a free ride. In the last 200 years the flood gates finally opened and we now know of countless errors and myths in the Bible.

 

[Subduction Zone]

Go ahead and tell me what I have already have heard for over the 30 years I have been studying the scriptures.

Really? What scholars have you studied under?

 

[Saved by grace 2]

.

Please give me one that you pull up and let's talk about them.

 

[Saved by grace 2]

Really? What scholars have you studied under?

I have attended two humble Bible colleges, but the Bible is not to be understood in the way that you think. The Holy Spirit is the true Author of the Bible and he is the teacher./interpreter of all scripture. If you are simply going to point out dates, and unimportant things, grammar, word contradictions that have nothing to do with the Teachings, doctrines and truths which are the purpose of the Bible then your attempts will only fuel your own doubts but will not Shake my Faith or any who truly believe the God of the Bible.