questions about belief

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azimuthfloyd

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Apr 5, 2008
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Hey all,I'm not a Christian, and I know very little about Christianity. I'm curious about beliefs, though, since religions are puzzling and confusing to me. Being confused and all, I'm not sure if my questions will make sense. Forgive me if I seem like a rambling crazy person.So, I know that not all Christians are the same, just as not all Buddhists are the same and not all atheists are the same, etc. To take a large group of people and make a blanket statement would be stupid, so I know my questions will get personal answers and will not get answers for _all_ of Christianity. It seems a large issue in North America today is a debate between the religious world and the scientific world. I do not believe that most Christians distrust science completely, since each day - I assume...correct me if I am wrong - I see Christians driving cars, taking tylenol, drinking Coca-Cola, watching television, etc. These things were all produced with 20th century science, and so it seems Christians generally accept the validity of that particular science.But what confuses me is how many Christians distrust the particular sciences that look at the history of Earth. Why do so many Christians accept _all_ of modern science except, for example, Geology?
 

Jerusalem Junkie

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Jan 7, 2008
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Man did you just open a can of large nasty earthworms, with teeth I might add. I am not going to give mt two cents here but I am sure someone will home in on it soon.
 

adren@line

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Feb 24, 2008
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(some) Christians selectively cherry-pick what science they accept and what science they reject. Its all based on what contradicts the Bible. According to some arguments, the Bible is contrary to heliocentrism and yet most Christians believe the earth revolves around the sun, so even in that regard it isnt what is contrary to the Bible, but based on group think behavior.A few hundred years ago, Christians believed in witches, geocentrism, and all kinds of other "stuff" that they do not believe in today. I predict in another 100 years most will believe in evolution or some scientific theory.
 

zadzial

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Mar 23, 2008
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(azimuthfloyd;44398)
Hey all,I'm not a Christian, and I know very little about Christianity. I'm curious about beliefs, though, since religions are puzzling and confusing to me. Being confused and all, I'm not sure if my questions will make sense. Forgive me if I seem like a rambling crazy person.So, I know that not all Christians are the same, just as not all Buddhists are the same and not all atheists are the same, etc. To take a large group of people and make a blanket statement would be stupid, so I know my questions will get personal answers and will not get answers for _all_ of Christianity. It seems a large issue in North America today is a debate between the religious world and the scientific world. I do not believe that most Christians distrust science completely, since each day - I assume...correct me if I am wrong - I see Christians driving cars, taking tylenol, drinking Coca-Cola, watching television, etc. These things were all produced with 20th century science, and so it seems Christians generally accept the validity of that particular science.But what confuses me is how many Christians distrust the particular sciences that look at the history of Earth. Why do so many Christians accept _all_ of modern science except, for example, Geology?
I believe that the Bible and science can co-exist, if not complement each other. However I think it is important for us to properly understand the limits of each. The Bible begins by telling us that God is the creator of the universe and everything we see came into being because he willed it to do so. From there the Bible shows us God's plan of salvation to bring us back to himself. The Bible is not a scientific text book and does not give us any scientific information. This is not its purpose. It does however provide much historical information, but that is not what we are focusing on here.On the other hand, science can tell us a lot about the natural universe. From science we have come to understand a great deal about our planet and as science continues to make progress, we continue to learn more. There is still much we do not know or understand. However, science cannot tell anything about God since he exists outside of space and time. The only way we can know about God is because he revealed himself to us through his Word.In areas where science and the Bible seem to contradict, I think it is important for both sides to keep an open mind and ensure that we interpret the available information as best we can.As you can see from what I have said, I am a Christian. I am also a Scientist. I hold a PhD in Chemistry and am currently working for a Geologist. I love science, but I love God more.
 

ForYou

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Jan 21, 2008
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Christians do not go against science,Science has gone a long way,science has made medicine,it has made cloning,it has done a lot. You know what science can not do,it can not prove God is not here,it can not prove evolution. Science can prove how old somebody is. God knows all of this,he created the world,he knows how to use nature and the elements he made them all for reason. Saying a Christian does not believe in science is dumb in my opinion,I believe we can clone,I believe science has made it possible for us a human to be healthier. God knows everything again he made it all for a reason.
 

its_victoria08

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Mar 28, 2008
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It's not really as complicated as you think.First of all, you have to keep in mind that God is all-knowing, outside of our concept of space and time, and can only be found through a spiritual journey. The Bible is the Word of God. Even the parts that don't make sense to us, we should trust because they are God's Word, and God knows all.Science is not all-knowing. It is limited to the minds of scientists. Well, scientists are not all-knowing. Science is based on what MANKIND knows. So, it is always going to be full of holes and theories and "here's what we think" kind of things. Science is always changing also, while God's Word stays the same.It's kind of like how 40 years ago, people were giving aspirin to children. There was an actual "children's aspirin". We now know, however, through science, that aspirin can cause a specific syndrome in children and can even be fatal. And, 40 years ago, cribs were painted in lead-based paint, which we now know is bad for babies. And, 40 years ago, people hardly wore seatbelts in cars. And, 40 years ago, it was thought that formula was better than breastmilk.As you can see, though science is definitely taking giant leaps through the years, it is NEVER perfect. Science will NEVER be all-knowing.So, I find it better and more rewarding to trust in God's Word, and accept that He knows everything, which is so amazing because my mind can only grasp a limited number of concepts over time.
 

Jackie D

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Mar 15, 2008
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(Two;44649)
What do I believe? I believe that guns don't kill people, husbands that come home early do............
LOL!!! good one Two
 

adren@line

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Feb 24, 2008
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Religion does not answer what science cannot. Philosophy does. "Religion" is a loaded term that encompasses ritual, singing, eating, and a very small amount of investigation into truth. Most religions, as observed in practice, contain very little philosophy, which is the investigation of truth through rational means, and instead focus on feeling and emotion.There is plenty that makes sense in the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas, a famous Christian philosopher. However, the Bible contains little philosophy and instead concentrates on shaping the readers morality and decision making process.Thats my opinion anyhow.
 

arniem

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Mar 17, 2008
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Science has created nothing. Period.Science has only discovered things that already existed.The atom existed before Einstein.The headache cure existed in the bark of a tree before asprin or tylenol came on the scene.The farthest reaches of the universe existed before science discovered it.DNA existed since creation, the scientist only discovered it.On and on and on . The list is endless.A scientist only discovers. He can not create anything.A scientist only discovers what a creator has already made.I give all the credit to the Creator.The scientist gives all the credit to himself and his profession.One of us is wrong.Arnie M.
 

adren@line

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Feb 24, 2008
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There are informed opinions and uninformed opinions. In the end, they dont mean anything in most settings. You'll continue to be a Christian and ill continue to be a heathen. As long as you dont force me to be a Christian or force your beliefs on me, and I dont force my beliefs on you, life will go on. Ofcourse, if you like to argue about stuff like this, having an informed opinion helps.
 

RobinD69

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Oct 7, 2007
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(adren@line;44918)
There are informed opinions and uninformed opinions. In the end, they dont mean anything in most settings. You'll continue to be a Christian and ill continue to be a heathen. As long as you dont force me to be a Christian or force your beliefs on me, and I dont force my beliefs on you, life will go on. Ofcourse, if you like to argue about stuff like this, having an informed opinion helps.
You are giving conflicting accounts here. You claim in another thread to have a personal relationship with Jesus Chrsit and here you admit to being a heathen. You cannot have it both ways. So far as I can tell you are only spouting your opinion based on someone elses. We have heard your arguements before from others such as you and you are all found wanting. Look I have no desire to convert you or indoctrinate you, but you must realize that your limited understanding of things is your undoing. I dont want to argue with you or debate with you, but I would be willing to explore truth with you if you are will to approach it properly.
 

adren@line

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Feb 24, 2008
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Jesus can do what he pleases. Since he is God, he can choose who he has a personal relationship with and who he does not. Yes, I am a heathen. But Jesus does not care. Jesus is not bound by your rules.If you understood Jesus, you would know that.
 

bigdummy

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Feb 1, 2008
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(arniem;44749)
Science has created nothing. Period.Science has only discovered things that already existed.The atom existed before Einstein.The headache cure existed in the bark of a tree before asprin or tylenol came on the scene.The farthest reaches of the universe existed before science discovered it.DNA existed since creation, the scientist only discovered it.On and on and on . The list is endless.A scientist only discovers. He can not create anything.A scientist only discovers what a creator has already made.I give all the credit to the Creator.The scientist gives all the credit to himself and his profession.One of us is wrong.Arnie M.
I believe that the same is true of a doctor who only has the ability to treat a patient that has an open wound, he is able to bandage it or if necessary sew it up, but only God has the ability to heal the wound, if not when the stiches were removed the wound would look no different then it did before the Dr. treated it. In this respect I believe God and Medical Science become partners...Ray
 

RobinD69

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Oct 7, 2007
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(adren@line;44997)
Jesus can do what he pleases. Since he is God, he can choose who he has a personal relationship with and who he does not. Yes, I am a heathen. But Jesus does not care. Jesus is not bound by your rules.If you understood Jesus, you would know that.
If you understood Jesus, you would not be a hethan as you claim. If you trully have a relationship with Jesus then you know He sets the rules and from what you have shared, you are not following them. If you had a personal relationship with Jesus then you would know that what I have shared with you is all factual truth. Look I am not attacking you, even though it may seem so, but I am trying to make sure you know the truth and not the lies of this world. You dont have to call yourself a Christian, but if you trully have a personal relationship with Christ, then you will know that the Bible is true and that the methods you have been adhering to are incomplete and the only way they can become complete is thru Him.
 

RobinD69

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Oct 7, 2007
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(bigdummy;45009)
I believe that the same is true of a doctor who only has the ability to treat a patient that has an open wound, he is able to bandage it or if necessary sew it up, but only God has the ability to heal the wound, if not when the stiches were removed the wound would look no different then it did before the Dr. treated it. In this respect I believe God and Medical Science become partners...Ray
Great post.
 

adren@line

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Feb 24, 2008
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(RobinD69;45010)
If you understood Jesus, you would not be a hethan as you claim. If you trully have a relationship with Jesus then you know He sets the rules and from what you have shared, you are not following them. If you had a personal relationship with Jesus then you would know that what I have shared with you is all factual truth. Look I am not attacking you, even though it may seem so, but I am trying to make sure you know the truth and not the lies of this world. You dont have to call yourself a Christian, but if you trully have a personal relationship with Christ, then you will know that the Bible is true and that the methods you have been adhering to are incomplete and the only way they can become complete is thru Him.
..such are the word of men, and not God.If Jesus told me I don't have to be a Christian, then its His word vs yours, or any other man/womans. If Jesus himself personally told me not to follow the Bible, then you aren't in a position to question Jesus.
 

RobinD69

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Oct 7, 2007
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(adren@line;45013)
..such are the word of men, and not God.If Jesus told me I don't have to be a Christian, then its His word vs yours, or any other man/womans. If Jesus himself personally told me not to follow the Bible, then you aren't in a position to question Jesus.
If Jesus told you not to follow the Bible then you have the wrong Jesus and who ever you have doesnt want you to believe the truth. Satan comes as an angel of light. He will do anything to keep you from the truth, even imitate our Lord and Savior. If you really want to know the truth then I suggest you read the Bible and pray to God that He guides you and protects you from the powers and principalities of this world. I would suggest John and Acts. If you do this then the one claiming to be Jesus will attack you and show his true colors, but I promise you that if you seek the face of the one true God, He will reveal Himself to you in the Bible. And I already told you that you dont have to be a Christian to be a follower of Christ.