Critical thinking and education is linked to loss of faith

[Riven]

I started a thread this morning with the thought in mind that you did see at least some evidence for the possible existence of God. It’s titled “Why Cold-Case Skills Can Help You Examine Christianity”. You strike me as a highly intelligent person; one who might very well embrace taking a forensic statement analysis approach toward examining the Gospels. The thread is located in the Inter-Faith Discussion forum. My hope is that you will take a few minutes (less than 10) to take a look at a couple of short clips.

I'll take a look.

You haven’t entirely ruled out that it is also evidence of someone.

No, not entirely.

Jesus has been resurrected from the dead.

How do you know? Furthermore, how do we know it isn't a fictitious story written after Jesus died on the cross?

I’ve seen him in some television commercials but they didn’t suggest that he is the creator of the heavens and the earth.

Agreed.

 

[Matthias]

I'll take a look.


No, not entirely.


How do you know? Furthermore, how do we know it isn't a fictitious story written after Jesus died on the cross?


Agreed.

I have more evidence that he’s alive than I have evidence that you are, and I believe you are.

 

[DuckieLady]

I'll take a look.


No, not entirely.


How do you know? Furthermore, how do we know it isn't a fictitious story written after Jesus died on the cross?


Agreed.

By the testimonies of the people who not only saw it happened, but those who were martyred for His cause. Do you think all of these Jews made up a fictional story for entertainment so that they could be murdered for fun?

People do not risk the lives of themselves and their families for kicks. It's because they witnessed it happen.

 

[Riven]

By the testimonies of the people who not only saw it happened, but those who were martyred for His cause. Do you think all of these Jews made up a fictional story for entertainment so that they could be murdered for fun?

No. I think they truly believed it. Such that they were willing to die for it. It still doesn't mean what they believed was the truth.

People do not risk the lives of themselves and their families for kicks. It's because they witnessed it happen.

Should we ignore the Muslims that routinely kill themselves in order to be martyrs? Or Christian snake handlers that get bitten, refuse treatment, and die? Many people die for their beliefs.

 

[DuckieLady]

No. I think they truly believed it. Such that they were willing to die for it. It still doesn't mean what they believed was the truth.


Should we ignore the Muslims that routinely kill themselves in order to be martyrs? Or Christian snake handlers that get bitten, refuse treatment, and die? Many people die for their beliefs.

I think you should study Biblical archeology. Just a suggestion. You might enjoy it.

Also, snake handlers are sinning. "Thou shalt not test the Lord thy God."

 

[DuckieLady]

No. I think they truly believed it. Such that they were willing to die for it. It still doesn't mean what they believed was the truth.


Should we ignore the Muslims that routinely kill themselves in order to be martyrs? Or Christian snake handlers that get bitten, refuse treatment, and die? Many people die for their beliefs.

Just to add to my previous comment, I think you're just looking for answers.

In that case, you could be your own detective and look for answers, or you can look for people who already did like Wallace.

https://coldcasechristianity.com/j-warner-wallace-christian-apologist-and-author/

But I feel like judging based off your responses that someone else's judgment will not be enough for you, because you are more a person who wants to seek deeper yourself.

So, do that. What is the harm? All you will do is learn.

 

[Riven]

I think you should study Biblical archeology. Just a suggestion. You might enjoy it.

Also, snake handlers are sinning. "Thou shalt not test the Lord thy God."

Why archeology?

 

[Grailhunter]

Generally, the more religious one is, the less educated they are. Those who happen to be both educated and religious such as theologians, are largely disingenuous and intellectually dishonest-victims of cognitive dissonance and mental gymnastics. They can easily apply their critical thinking skills to all other forms of magical thinking and religious beliefs separate from their own, but fail to apply the same reasoning to their own beliefs. Now of course religious zealots will mention the commonly over-used and stale argument of the Catholic Church being behind most of the world’s scientific advancements and education, but that in itself is a form of post hoc fallacy. Deconstructing is by no means easy, but this lady has done it here after many years of being a Christian:

You could not be more wrong. You do not have to be stupid to have faith. The uneducated get such a chip on their shoulders and get so intimidated and they react with insults and there in no reason for it. Christianity is one of the simplest religions. It does not take a college degree to understand the path to salvation or the basics. And the more you know the more unshakable is your faith. Look at the 1st century Christians, most could not read or write and no Bibles, yet thousands saved.

 

[DuckieLady]

Why archeology?

Because you are looking for answers in that can be seen or are tangible.

Now, faith is a spiritual thing. It cannot be seen. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Notice Jesus said, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

But I don't think there is anything wrong with asking questions. I think it is wisdom to seek out and find answers or look for things.

Who will stop you from finding out?

 

[ProDeo]

The evolution believing atheist cannot find God for the same reason a thief cannot find a policeman.
-- Kent Hovind

 

[Riven]

Because you are looking for answers in that can be seen or are tangible.

Now, faith is a spiritual thing. It cannot be seen. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Notice Jesus said, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

But I don't think there is anything wrong with asking questions. I think it is wisdom to seek out and find answers or look for things.

Who will stop you from finding out?

I was educated in the public school system. My real first exposure to Christianity was when I was already in high school.

This education is far removed from what the bible teaches. The scientific method is built on the study of evidence. I can't just shut that part of my brain off like a light switch and rewire it to accept taking things on faith.

The only logical answer to your question would be myself. I am the obstacle.

 

[DuckieLady]

I was educated in the public school system. My real first exposure to Christianity was when I was already in high school.

This education is far removed from what the bible teaches. The scientific method is built on the study of evidence. I can't just shut that part of my brain off like a light switch and rewire it to accept taking things on faith.

The only logical answer to your question would be myself. I am the obstacle.

Well you're right, YOU can't shut it off- in your own human nature. That's understandable. The Bible even says so.
Notice in Corinthians it's the "natural man."

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

So what your prayer should be is ask God to help you understand by His spirit. Then study. It is not about what the natural man can do.