Question about Genesis

[Presbyterian Continuist]

I believe in evolution based on the sheer amount of evidence, and that’s not going to change. I want to believe in God but this is one of the things stopping me. I know many people don’t take genesis literally due to believing in evolution, but then how can I figure out which books in the Bible to take literally and which ones not to? If I don’t have to take Genesis literally, who’s to say I don’t have to take the Gospel literally? Does theistic evolution fit in with the rest of the Bible?

If evolution is true, then you are just a bag of molecules. How do you know that this forum exists? Also, how do you know that you are actually asking the right questions? How do you know that you actually exist?

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

Welcome! The story of creation is controversial even within the Body of Christ there are varying opinions. That being said, Christianity is about Jesus Christ of Nazareth and this is what you should focus your search on. If I decided not to eat avocados because I don't know where they come from, I would be missing out on a fruit I love so much! This is the same with Jesus Christ of Nazareth! We only know in part and the best way to know Him better is to receive His Holy Spirit and be regenerated. Knowledge will grow through Him, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Be blessed and stay healthy!

If Genesis 1-3 is not accurate as written, then there is no gospel, because the rest of the Bible is unreliable, unbelievable, and therefore meaningless. No Jesus, no cross, no resurrection, therefore no hope because there is no real reason for existence.

 

[Job 33:6]

If evolution is true, then you are just a bag of molecules. How do you know that this forum exists? Also, how do you know that you are actually asking the right questions? How do you know that you actually exist?

Being conscious doesn't negate biological evolution, no more does being conscious negate the theory of gravity or germ theory etc. Evolution is merely a physical process that occurs, just like the theory of plate tectonics. And whether or not we are conscious or why we are conscious is independent of the question of if we evolve or if continents drift or if gravity pulls objects toward earth etc.

 

[Marumorose]

I believe in evolution based on the sheer amount of evidence, and that’s not going to change. I want to believe in God but this is one of the things stopping me. I know many people don’t take genesis literally due to believing in evolution, but then how can I figure out which books in the Bible to take literally and which ones not to? If I don’t have to take Genesis literally, who’s to say I don’t have to take the Gospel literally? Does theistic evolution fit in with the rest of the Bible?

My advise to you is that take every book spiritually and then apply it physically.
Matthew 4:4 says 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
As human beings, we are spiritual(we have a soul) and physical (we have a body). The bible as a whole is teaching us to have a good soul and body.

Everything physical comes from the spiritual world
May God Bless You

 

[nolidad]

Being conscious doesn't negate biological evolution, no more does being conscious negate the theory of gravity or germ theory etc. Evolution is merely a physical process that occurs, just like the theory of plate tectonics. And whether or not we are conscious or why we are conscious is independent of the question of if we evolve or if continents drift or if gravity pulls objects toward earth etc.

Well evolution is a very amorphous term and means lots of things. Does micro evolution occur? Yes. Has "Darwinian" evolution occurred where we have progressed from microbes to man? Proven, testable, empirical science screams no!

 

[Kinable]

Check out the thread I just made about Flat Earth, it should help you realize evolution and dinosaurs don't exist because Earth isn't that old and we are made in God's image.

 

[klutedavid]

I believe in evolution based on the sheer amount of evidence, and that’s not going to change. I want to believe in God but this is one of the things stopping me. I know many people don’t take genesis literally due to believing in evolution, but then how can I figure out which books in the Bible to take literally and which ones not to? If I don’t have to take Genesis literally, who’s to say I don’t have to take the Gospel literally? Does theistic evolution fit in with the rest of the Bible?

I suppose it depends on whether God needed a rest on the seventh day.

I personally don't believe the first two chapters of Genesis are precisely correct, rather a simple account for a very simple people.

I really do not think for one moment that anyone would read the early chapters of Genesis. And think that God was describing earth's history six thousand years ago.

From Abraham on, Genesis is a much tighter narration.

 

[Job 33:6]

Well evolution is a very amorphous term and means lots of things. Does micro evolution occur? Yes.

This isn't even a response to my post. I'll repeat.

Being conscious doesn't negate biological evolution, no more does being conscious negate the theory of gravity or germ theory etc. Evolution is merely a physical process that occurs, just like the theory of plate tectonics. And whether or not we are conscious or why we are conscious is independent of the question of if we evolve or if continents drift or if gravity pulls objects toward earth etc.

 

[FreeGrace2]

Evolution is merely a physical process that occurs, just like the theory of plate tectonics.

No. Evolution is still just a theory. An unprovable one at that. And plate tectonics isn't a theory Plates actually move.

You identify as "Christian" in your icon area. Do you believe that Genesis 1-3 are symbolic, or is a description of God creating the first 2 human beings and their rebellion?

 

[nolidad]

This isn't even a response to my post. I'll repeat.

Being conscious doesn't negate biological evolution, no more does being conscious negate the theory of gravity or germ theory etc. Evolution is merely a physical process that occurs, just like the theory of plate tectonics. And whether or not we are conscious or why we are conscious is independent of the question of if we evolve or if continents drift or if gravity pulls objects toward earth etc.

Well then let me ask, by biological evolution do you mean microbes to man via mutation and preservation by natural selection over hundreds of millions of years?

 

[Job 33:6]

No. Evolution is still just a theory.

Plate tectonics is a theory too. So you're wrong. Let me know when you're willing to admit to this reality.

What is Plate Tectonics? | Plate Tectonics | Live Science

"Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, the rocky inner layer above the core."

There is also the theory of gravity, germ theory, atomic theory etc.

And whether or not the physical processes of the theory of gravity, or the theory of evolution or the theory of plate tectonics occurs, is independent of the question of why we have consciousness.

"If the theory of evolution is true...how do you know you exist?" Is really just young earth Creationists nonsense in the form of a meaningless question.

 

[Job 33:6]

You identify as "Christian" in your icon area.

I'll tell you something about "Christians".

Redirect Notice

Galatians 5:1-5

28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV - Not that we dare to… | Biblia

12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

In several places throughout scripture, the apostle Paul spoke of those who had a "holier than thou" attitude toward other Christians.

Those who believed that through good works, that they were "better" than other "Christians". Because they held to certain traditional views, they believed they were better, and they would even question the faith of others. Perhaps they too would say "oh, so you call yourself a "Christian"?

But Paul taught that it isn't circumcision of the body that saves us, but through circumcision of the heart and through Christ's blood alone we are saved, not through acts and development of some divisive ideas about other "Christians".

You should be ashamed of yourself for even suggesting that I might not be Christian without knowing anything about my faith. This is not love for a neighbor, this is your sin.

You aren't familiar with me, and your suggestion that plate tectonics isn't a theory indicates that you aren't familiar with science either. You aren't in a position to cast judgement, rather you're in a position in which you should be listening.

 

[FreeGrace2]

Plate tectonics is a theory too. So you're wrong. Let me know when you're willing to admit to this reality.

You mean I'm wrong about evolution being a theory??? Of course it is. Where have you been?

What is Plate Tectonics? | Plate Tectonics | Live Science

"Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, the rocky inner layer above the core."

There is also the theory of gravity, germ theory, atomic theory etc.

All these things are real. Evolution is a theory.

And whether or not the physical processes of the theory of gravity, or the theory of evolution or the theory of plate tectonics occurs, is independent of the question of why we have consciousness.

Oh, is that your question. OK, you have consciousness because God gave it to you. Just as He gave Adam consciousness in Gen 2:7. And a conscience in Rom 2:14,15.

"If the theory of evolution is true...how do you know you exist?" Is really just young earth Creationists nonsense in the form of a meaningless question.[/QUOTE]
OK. I'm not a YEC. Go back to post #20 for my understanding of the earth's age.

 

[FreeGrace2]

I'll tell you something about "Christians".

OK.

Galatians 5:1-5

28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

This doesn't explain what you mean by "Christian".

2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV - Not that we dare to… | Biblia

12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

Nor does this.

I said this:
"You identify as "Christian" in your icon area. Do you believe that Genesis 1-3 are symbolic, or is a description of God creating the first 2 human beings and their rebellion?"

In several places throughout scripture, the apostle Paul spoke of those who had a "holier than thou" attitude toward other Christians.

What does this have to do with my question??

Those who believed that through good works, that they were "better" than other "Christians". Because they held to certain traditional views, they believed they were better, and they would even question the faith of others. Perhaps they too would say "oh, so you call yourself a "Christian"?

This is also irrelevant to my question.

But Paul taught that it isn't circumcision of the body that saves us, but through circumcision of the heart and through Christ's blood alone we are saved, not through acts and development of some divisive ideas about other "Christians".

OK. I don't know why you got so wrapped up about my noting that you identify as a Christian. I was hoping you'd answer my question.

You should be ashamed of yourself for even suggesting that I might not be Christian without knowing anything about my faith. This is not love for a neighbor, this is your sin.

Where did I suggest any such thing? Could you point me to the exact words that support this empty claim?

You aren't familiar with me, and your suggestion that plate tectonics isn't a theory indicates that you aren't familiar with science either.

What I AM quite familiar with is that evolution is just a theory. It's called "the theory of evolution". Are you suggesting that evolution is a fact??

As to plate tectonics, I am also familiar with the FACT that the earth's plates shift on each other. That, too, is a FACT.

You aren't in a position to cast judgement, rather you're in a position in which you should be listening.

Well, I suggest that you quit trying to judge me, since I wasn't judging you in ANY way, shape, or form.

And, are you going to answer my question, or just keep on judging me falsely?

 

[Job 33:6]

You mean I'm wrong about evolution being a theory??? Of course it is. Where have you been?

"Evolution is merely a physical process that occurs, just like the theory of plate tectonics."-me

"No. Evolution is still just a theory." -Freegrace2

"Plate tectonics is [still just] a theory too" -me

"You mean I'm wrong about evolution being a theory?" -freegrace2

I mean you're wrong in suggesting that plate tectonics is not a theory or is more than a theory. Or is anything but "still just a theory". The theory of plate tectonics is still just a theory, just as the theory of evolution or germ theory, atomic theory, the theory of gravity etc.

 

[Job 33:6]

"All these things are real. Evolution is a theory." -freegrace2

Plate tectonics is a theory too. Are you willing to accept this fact or not?

There is no "fact of plate tectonics", there is only the theory of plate tectonics.

Added note:

If you can't admit to this simple concept, then there really is no reason to continue our discussion as the concepts will only become more complicated.

 

[Job 33:6]

OK.

Well, I suggest that you quit trying to judge me, since I wasn't judging you in ANY way, shape, or form.

Your deception is as clear as day my fellow "Christian".

 

[FreeGrace2]

"You mean I'm wrong about evolution being a theory?" -freegrace2

I mean you're wrong in suggesting that plate tectonics is not a theory or is more than a theory. Or is anything but "still just a theory". The theory of plate tectonics is still just a theory, just as the theory of evolution or germ theory, atomic theory, the theory of gravity etc.

I couldn't care less about plate tectonics. I am interested in your beliefs. Do you believe that evolution is fact?

 

[FreeGrace2]

Your deception is as clear as day my fellow "Christian".

Really? Could you explain what I am being deceptive about, please?

 

[nolidad]

"All these things are real. Evolution is a theory." -freegrace2

Plate tectonics is a theory too. Are you willing to accept this fact or not?

There is no "fact of plate tectonics", there is only the theory of plate tectonics.

I am still waiting for you to answer if you believe in the microbes to man via random undirected mutations preserved by natural selection over hundreds of millions of years as the "macro" theory of evolution states is how life began.