Re: Re: Afraid to tread there?
Re: Re: Afraid to tread there?
Originally posted by flash
Zakath is doing just fine. Of course, he takes on faith what scientists say. So does Bob. Do you think Bob goes into the lab with test tubes and reagents each night to do scientific research?
Thank you for being honest. You and Zakath take on faith that the evolutionary scientists are right. Can you be sure that they are absolutely right? Could the scientists have miscalculated the ages they come up with? Could the assumptions they make regarding some of the details be wrong? Do they have preconceived notions that affect their research? These are the questions asked of and charges made against Christians, but it goes for athiests and evolutionary scientists as well.
This, of course, gets to the heart of the debate on whether God exists. The only thing one can do is look at all available evidence, which includes looking at the physics of the earth, solar system and universe and weighing the evidence. Questions about human nature, morality and internal conscience are also available forms of evidence. All of these must be considered when answering these questions. And yes, the motive of scientists and religious teachers must be taken into consideration.
These are the evidences that must be weighed in deciding the "Does God Exist" question. Not "I've never seen God, therefore he/she/it doesn't exist." Not, "I asked God for a sign and didn't get an answer," so God doesn't exist. Neither one of those statements (which seems to be the foundation for Zakath's argument) are legitimate. There is the one thing that both Christians and athiests can do: weigh the available evidence and come to a conclusion. This is something I would encourage both Christians and athiests to do.
Christians are, of course, encouraged to do this in the Scriptures: Acts 17:10-11 "Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." and also 2 Timothy 24:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." And finally: 2 Corinthians 13:5 "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified." So, Christians are encouraged to verify, study and examin themselves. Do athiests have these standards?
So, the question remains: Does God Exist? In trying to answer the question, make sure you're asking the right questions. For without the right questions, the right answer won't be found.
