How can you believe?

[SilentStatus]

My name is Matthew. I was born into a Christian family and I am 18 years old. Despite my parents beliefs, i am not very religious. However, i'd like to be for the sole purpose that I believe that life did appear out of thin air. I believe their had to be a creator.

With that aside, let me begin my questioning.

1. Who am I to decide what religion is correct? There are and have been countless forms of religions praising a number of Gods and beliefs. Why should I believe that because of Christianity’s popularity that it is correct in all forms?

2. Why does the Bible explain the creation of earth and existence with no reference to the thousands of years that dinosaurs roamed the earth?

3.With all of the farfetched stories in the Bible such as Adam and Eve and Noah's Ark which I see as obviously false, why should I believe that anything else in the Bible is true? Dont you find it a little ridiculous that a snake spoke to Eve? And if a snake did in fact speak to Eve, what language could they possibly be speaking if man had not created one yet? Dont you realize that Noahs task to gather every existing animal on earth is an impossibility? Do these stories seem to resemble reality or modern day fairytales and/or myths? Furthermore, if these stories are indeed not factual, then who is to say that any of the Bible is factual?


4. To my understanding, in order to go to heaven, you must believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he has died for our sins. How could I possibly be expected to believe this if there is no conclusive evidence to support this idea? Additionally, if I am a man of good heart, why should I be destined to suffer in Hell for eternity because I am skeptical of the idea of Jesus and his sacrifice?

5. What is God hiding from? If God is real, and Christianity is correct in all forms, why doesn’t God make this clear to each and every human being. Why wouldn’t God want to minimize confusion?

6. If God created all life, who created God?

These are just the questions that I could think of right now that leave haunting doubts in my mind whenever I attempt to become religious. I’d like these questions to be answered individually. So if you’d like to respond to only a portion of my questioning, please indicate the specific question that you are responding to prior to your response. Thanks for helping.

Peace and love to all,
-matthew

 

[Key]

My name is Matthew. I was born into a Christian family and I am 18 years old. Despite my parents beliefs, i am not very religious. However, i'd like to be for the sole purpose that I believe that life did appear out of thin air. I believe their had to be a creator.

Welcome to CF.. what a doozie of a "first post".. Hope you enjoy your time here...

1. Who am I to decide what religion is correct?

Well.. the obvious answer is.. Your the one that has to live and die with your choice.. as such.. that would be a strong motive for you.. to have some weight in your decision...

Why should I believe that because of Christianity’s popularity that it is correct in all forms?

You shouldn't... if everyone believed the wrong thing... it's still wrong...

Decide for yourself...

2. Why does the Bible explain the creation of earth and existence with no reference to the thousands of years that dinosaurs roamed the earth?

Huh? I am not sure your question.. if dinosaurs did not interact with the "Humans" then God has no reason to talk about them in detail.. as to God they are just "another animal".. despite how much press we give them.. to God however.. a T-rex is no different then a bunny rabbit... and the bunnies got no special attention in Genesis.. neither did Sharks or anything else we make a big fuss about.. so.. I would not expect dinosaurs to get any special press either..

Hope that helps you.. with that question...

God Bless

Key

 

[tytyty9]

And to add on to what Key was saying, they found Noahs Ark on a mountain in 2006. How should I know it was Noah's Ark? It fitted the exact dimensions in the old testament and how on earth did it get on top of a mountain? also it was about 4000ish years old, so...yea. And everything in the JEwish bible points to jesus. Im typing a lot, and I no others will add on to this. May God bless you and find you. =)

 

[OldChurchGuy]

My name is Matthew. I was born into a Christian family and I am 18 years old. Despite my parents beliefs, i am not very religious. However, i'd like to be for the sole purpose that I believe that life did appear out of thin air. I believe their had to be a creator.

With that aside, let me begin my questioning.

1. Who am I to decide what religion is correct? There are and have been countless forms of religions praising a number of Gods and beliefs. Why should I believe that because of Christianity’s popularity that it is correct in all forms?

2. Why does the Bible explain the creation of earth and existence with no reference to the thousands of years that dinosaurs roamed the earth?

3.With all of the farfetched stories in the Bible such as Adam and Eve and Noah's Ark which I see as obviously false, why should I believe that anything else in the Bible is true? Dont you find it a little ridiculous that a snake spoke to Eve? And if a snake did in fact speak to Eve, what language could they possibly be speaking if man had not created one yet? Dont you realize that Noahs task to gather every existing animal on earth is an impossibility? Do these stories seem to resemble reality or modern day fairytales and/or myths? Furthermore, if these stories are indeed not factual, then who is to say that any of the Bible is factual?


4. To my understanding, in order to go to heaven, you must believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he has died for our sins. How could I possibly be expected to believe this if there is no conclusive evidence to support this idea? Additionally, if I am a man of good heart, why should I be destined to suffer in Hell for eternity because I am skeptical of the idea of Jesus and his sacrifice?

5. What is God hiding from? If God is real, and Christianity is correct in all forms, why doesn’t God make this clear to each and every human being. Why wouldn’t God want to minimize confusion?

6. If God created all life, who created God?

These are just the questions that I could think of right now that leave haunting doubts in my mind whenever I attempt to become religious. I’d like these questions to be answered individually. So if you’d like to respond to only a portion of my questioning, please indicate the specific question that you are responding to prior to your response. Thanks for helping.

Peace and love to all,
-matthew

I agree with Key that you have asked a great set of questions.

1. Christianity, like all religions, is a matter of faith. I grew up in the Christian faith and have had no reason to look at other religious beliefs. However, my views on Christianity have changed greatly over the decades.

2. Key offers one valid explanation in his post. Another possible view would be that the writer of the creation story in Genesis didn't know about dinosaurs.

3. None of the stories in the Bible can be proven as true. None of the stories in the Bible can be proven as untrue. People accept or reject them as literal stories as a matter of belief or faith since they can't be proven one way or another. Personally, I have no problem with the stories of creation and Noah being symbolic. The symbolism is the underlying idea that a single God is responsible for the entire known universe.

4. Repeating item #1, it is matter of faith. Proving that Jesus walked on earth about 2,000 years ago and was the son of God is, to the best of my knowledge, practically impossible. Granted, there are books such as Josh McDowell's "Evidence That Demands a Verdict" which seem to make a compelling case for Christianity. But, it is my understanding, there are valid counter-arguments for each of the items put forth about Christianity. It comes down to a matter of individual choice and acceptance.

5. There are those who believe that God is plainly visible and that it is the individual's fault for not seeing God. There are those with questions such as yours and those questions are valid. Arguments can be made about free will or an influence of the Satan. Bottom line is that it is a matter of faith.

6. Going back to that overused "faith" word, God is believed to be eternal having no beginning and no end. God is. Can that be proven? no. Is it a matter of faith? yes.

Sorry I can't give you those iron clad answers that prove why one should have faith. I understand the Bible as a book of faith and not a book of fact.

Sincerely,

OldChurchGuy

 

[tytyty9]

I agree with most of this, especially the faith part. Just let everything in your life go, then trust jesus to find you. Do you want to know why christians are so sure of themselves? Jesus found us, because we trusted him to. Just let go of everything, everything close and dear to you. Then just say a pray, trusting that God is listening, that he will come into your life and forgive you, and that you accept Jesus's death as payment for my sins. God is my bestfriend, that is why I know he exists. It is a matter of faith. When Jesus healed the eyes of a man born blind, He put mud on his eyes and told him to wash. How the heck does putting mud on your eyes make you see? This is the same in a spiritual sense: Stop trying to see and start trusting God. You will NEVER regret. EVER. May the Lord find you =)

 

[Romans 13:3]

I had an old priest say once that religion was man's search for God where as Christianity is God's search for man.

You have been given some very good answers to your questions, allow me to add a bit of slant. You eluded to it in your post in that you are talking about belief.

Understand that there is a difference between knowing and believing. What we believe as Christians will likely never be proved to the satisfaction of skeptics. We are left with our lessons, our traditions, all tempered by personal experience. Faith is from the heart not the head. Let the Lord draw you, don't try to reason your way, for belief in the resurrection of an executed itinerant preacher defies logic. Use your heart to accept the Lord, use your head to find the right spiritual home. Respectfully, Don

 

[SamanthaKing]

Hi Matthew,

I can only answer you with what I believe because like with every religion it is about blind faith, in the fact that we don't have a physical thing to believe in, we believe in a spirit for lack of better description, so I would like the opportunity to answer your questions with what I personally believe.

1. Who am I to decide what religion is correct? There are and have been countless forms of religions praising a number of Gods and beliefs. Why should I believe that because of Christianity’s popularity that it is correct in all forms?

The reason that I believe that Christianity is the true religion is because it is the only religion that gives you the opportunity to repent for your sins, and have a second chance at the after life. Now whether that is correct or not, I can't tell you, as none of us truly know until we get to heaven or hell or nirvana or come back as a flea, or perhaps just go out like a puff of smoke. We don't truly have the answer to which religion is right. So this is up to personal choice, or what Christian's call "freedom of choice" we believe that when Adam and Eve sinned they gained freedom of choice, to choose what to believe and who to believe in. And we believe that God wants us to believe and live our lives for Him. Yet others don't agree with us, and this is their choice. We can't force them to change their minds, that is something to be done in their Spirit and heart alone.

2. Why does the Bible explain the creation of earth and existence with no reference to the thousands of years that dinosaurs roamed the earth?

Well the bible says simply that there were animals, it doesn't say that these animals were specific types of animals, these very well could have been dinosaurs. Also it doesn't actually say how long it took to make the earth, you see the bible says on the first day God created light and so on, animals came before humans, so it's very well possible that the earth had been created thousands of years with only animals and dinosaurs roaming the earth before humans came, and then do we really know that Adam and Eve and even Noah wasn't with the dinosaurs?


3.With all of the farfetched stories in the Bible such as Adam and Eve and Noah's Ark which I see as obviously false, why should I believe that anything else in the Bible is true? Dont you find it a little ridiculous that a snake spoke to Eve? And if a snake did in fact speak to Eve, what language could they possibly be speaking if man had not created one yet? Dont you realize that Noahs task to gather every existing animal on earth is an impossibility? Do these stories seem to resemble reality or modern day fairytales and/or myths? Furthermore, if these stories are indeed not factual, then who is to say that any of the Bible is factual?

The bible also says that all things are possible with God, so if we are to believe that all things are possible with God then we will believe the stories of Adam and Eve and Noah's ark. In the case of Noah, he only collected two of every animal, and the bible actually says that God lead them to Noah, Noah didn't set out and find them. History shows us that many years ago all of the land on the earth was connected and they shifted apart because of a rising sea causing the contents, this is scientific, which you can research as fact, so what is to say that this didn't happen with the flood that Noah experienced? We can explain away everything, however lets take a look at another religion, speaking scientifically, where is there evidence that reincarnation exists as the buddhist believe? We can explain away all religions as fairy tales, like I said that is up to you personally to decipher what you want to believe, nobody should force you one way or another, because ultimately you are the one with that choice. Yes as a Christian I would love to see you give your life to Christ and believe all that is written in the bible, but I will not try and force you with threats and anger if you choose not to. As for Adam and Eve and the snake, the bible doesn't state that they were speaking a certain language but that doesn't mean that there wasn't a language already there, and back to all things possible with God, we need to remember that satan is a spirit also so therefore he has the power to enter a snake and cause it to speak, just as amny believe in ghosts or hold seances to speak to dead people, this is the same way satan came to Eve.



4. To my understanding, in order to go to heaven, you must believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he has died for our sins. How could I possibly be expected to believe this if there is no conclusive evidence to support this idea? Additionally, if I am a man of good heart, why should I be destined to suffer in Hell for eternity because I am skeptical of the idea of Jesus and his sacrifice?

This is an unfortunate part or rule of Christianity, you don't believe you don't receive. No your write there isn't irreputable evidence that Jesus was the Son of God, and that He died for our sins, but it all comes back to that freedom of choice. However when you say you are good of heart, are you really? I mean we can all say we are good people we just don't follow religion, but when that person cuts us off in the street, do we swear and stick our fingers up? When some men want sex they meet a girl in the pub, take her home, give her one and never speak to her again? Don't you think that might hurt and break her heart? Do you think it's ok to watch women in pornography being abused and abusing themselves because they think this is the only worth they have? Do you give money to a homeless man who asks or do you keep walking by? When you see a person hurt on the side of the road do you stop no matter what the circumstance or danger? Would you step in front of a bullet for someone you loved, even if you don't know them? Can you honestly say that you love everyone? Do you speak badly about people that have hurt you? Would you get into a fist fight because someone called you a bad name? You see we can say we are good people but sometimes we don't do good things, and this is where I'm glad I'm a Christian, because I'm by no means perfect but I can truly say that I know I can be forgiven when I stuff up and do the wrong thing, because I can say sorry and still make it to heaven.

5. What is God hiding from? If God is real, and Christianity is correct in all forms, why doesn’t God make this clear to each and every human being. Why wouldn’t God want to minimize confusion?

Because then we would have no need for faith. We wouldn't have to hope for anything because we would see it already there. It makes life interesting don't you think?

6. If God created all life, who created God?

God's mum. Sorry but this one I have been wondering about all my life and never have known the answer too, but I wont let this one question stop me from believing because there are some things that never will we understand we just have to accept. Things like why is the sky blue? why is the grass green? why do cows say moo and pigs say oink? We don't know the answers to it, we just accept them as they are the way it is. And as Christians this is what we do with who made God, we accept that God has always been and always will be. And some people will believe that but others wont. We pray for thos that don't and love them all the same, but in the end it's their choice, we can't make it for them.

I hope this helped a bit to understand at least what I believe. Whether or not it changed your mind I don't know, but I will be praying.

Love ya

 

[Key]

3.With all of the farfetched stories in the Bible such as Adam and Eve and Noah's Ark which I see as obviously false, why should I believe that anything else in the Bible is true?

In this case... I would gather you shouldn't.

However.. how far fetched are they when you think about it. That Humans derived from a single ancestry derived from two people, is not that "Far Fetched" when you consider that if God had created them, they would have had perfect genetic code that would have taken hundreds of generations to break down and become corrupted (As it is today).

As for Noah... well as time goes on.. we are discovering that this "story" is not all that "Far Fetched".. just the concept of a global flood vs a local flood is in dispute.

But if you write them off as being too hard to believe.. then that is of course.. your choice...

Dont you find it a little ridiculous that a snake spoke to Eve? And if a snake did in fact speak to Eve, what language could they possibly be speaking if man had not created one yet?

Umm first off.. it is a serpent..that later became a snake.. so what it was before the change.. we are not sure of.

Secondly.. I would gather that Adam and Eve.. as well as the serpent.. spoke a language provided to them by God.. not a language they had fabricated for themselves.. if the Language was from God.. then it is not so hard to grasp that all the animals may have been able to understand it.. as well as use it as a form of communication.. until of course the fall.. which.. well changed all the rules...

Dont you realize that Noahs task to gather every existing animal on earth is an impossibility?

Sure I do.. but then again.. God gathered the animals.. not Noah of his own abilities..

Do these stories seem to resemble reality or modern day fairytales and/or myths? Furthermore, if these stories are indeed not factual, then who is to say that any of the Bible is factual?

Huh?

Well I would gather that modern day myths are based on these stories.. so the resemblance would be there..

However.. as it stands.. we do not know if these stories are indeed not factual... and as far as I can tell.. it is only a personal choice on your part to accept or reject them based on what you consider possible.

Sure.. however.. if I removed God from the picture.. I could never take claims like this with more then a grain of salt, but... that is the point... with God..

Well.. God allows for the impossible.. to be a possibility..

4. To my understanding, in order to go to heaven, you must believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he has died for our sins.

I took it as a bit more then just that... but ok.. lets go with that...

How could I possibly be expected to believe this if there is no conclusive evidence to support this idea? Additionally, if I am a man of good heart, why should I be destined to suffer in Hell for eternity because I am skeptical of the idea of Jesus and his sacrifice?

That is simple.. because you still fall short of the Kingdom of Heaven. In the end.. because you are Human, with all it's draw backs, short comings and weaknesses, and because of that.. just being Human is just not good enough.

Sin.. shall not enter Heaven... and.. you my friend.. have sinned.. just as have we all...

5. What is God hiding from? If God is real, and Christianity is correct in all forms, why doesn’t God make this clear to each and every human being. Why wouldn’t God want to minimize confusion?

I like this question.. only because the answer is so simple... "God came down and died for your sins.. so that you could enter Heaven.. what more could you want?"

Really.. think about it.. he came down.. preached.. left a lasting message.. followed all his own rules, and then, his reward for that.. was to be killed.. in a horrible way..

I image God going.. "well if that was not enough.. Oh well.. hope they like it hot"

6. If God created all life, who created God?

This equally is a fun question.. imagine.. then for a moment.. where does a circle start and end?

The answer is.. it does not..

Unlike us humans.. who live in Liner time.. like segments, God is like a circle, and we are all inside that circle..

These are just the questions that I could think of right now that leave haunting doubts in my mind whenever I attempt to become religious. I’d like these questions to be answered individually. So if you’d like to respond to only a portion of my questioning, please indicate the specific question that you are responding to prior to your response. Thanks for helping.

Peace and love to all,
-matthew

Hope some of this Helped..

God Bless

Key

 

[ebia]

My name is Matthew. I was born into a Christian family and I am 18 years old. Despite my parents beliefs, i am not very religious. However, i'd like to be for the sole purpose that I believe that life did appear out of thin air. I believe their had to be a creator.

With that aside, let me begin my questioning.

1. Who am I to decide what religion is correct? There are and have been countless forms of religions praising a number of Gods and beliefs. Why should I believe that because of Christianity’s popularity that it is correct in all forms?

You shouldn't. Popularity doesn't prove much. But it might be an indication that Christianity is worth investigating.

2. Why does the Bible explain the creation of earth and existence with no reference to the thousands of years that dinosaurs roamed the earth?

Because the bible is a book about God and us, and our relationships. It is not a biology textbook.

3.With all of the farfetched stories in the Bible such as Adam and Eve and Noah's Ark which I see as obviously false, why should I believe that anything else in the Bible is true?

The Genesis storys to which you refer are not historical, but about God's relationship to us, our place in creation, and so forth. They are not "history" as we know it. Their purpose is to teach us theology, not science. Many (most?) Christians don't regard them as literal history.

Dont you find it a little ridiculous that a snake spoke to Eve?

In the context of a story, no.

And if a snake did in fact speak to Eve, what language could they possibly be speaking if man had not created one yet? Dont you realize that Noahs task to gather every existing animal on earth is an impossibility? Do these stories seem to resemble reality or modern day fairytales and/or myths?

That's because that's what they are - myths (in the sense of ancient stories designed to teach fundamental truths about people and the world).

Furthermore, if these stories are indeed not factual, then who is to say that any of the Bible is factual?

The bible is a mix of genres. To insist that all of it is one genre is absurd. You might as well write off the reference section of a library because there are fictional books in the adjacent section.

4. To my understanding, in order to go to heaven, you must believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he has died for our sins. How could I possibly be expected to believe this if there is no conclusive evidence to support this idea?

God can persuade you if you let him. There is plenty of 'evidence' available if you are open to it. But if one insists on only accepting one type of evidence, or evidence on one's own terms, then one won't find that.

Additionally, if I am a man of good heart, why should I be destined to suffer in Hell for eternity because I am skeptical of the idea of Jesus and his sacrifice?

Because you need to be transformed, and for that to happen you have to allow God to do it by trusting him.

5. What is God hiding from?

He isn't.

If God is real, and Christianity is correct in all forms, why doesn’t God make this clear to each and every human being.

If someone refuses to be interested in the truth then nothing you can do can make it clear.

Why wouldn’t God want to minimize confusion?

Yes,

6. If God created all life, who created God?

God is eternal, uncreated.

 

[eolculnamo2]

My name is Matthew. I was born into a Christian family and I am 18 years old. Despite my parents beliefs, i am not very religious. However, i'd like to be for the sole purpose that I believe that life did appear out of thin air. I believe their had to be a creator.

With that aside, let me begin my questioning.

1. Who am I to decide what religion is correct? There are and have been countless forms of religions praising a number of Gods and beliefs. Why should I believe that because of Christianity’s popularity that it is correct in all forms?

2. Why does the Bible explain the creation of earth and existence with no reference to the thousands of years that dinosaurs roamed the earth?

3.With all of the farfetched stories in the Bible such as Adam and Eve and Noah's Ark which I see as obviously false, why should I believe that anything else in the Bible is true? Dont you find it a little ridiculous that a snake spoke to Eve? And if a snake did in fact speak to Eve, what language could they possibly be speaking if man had not created one yet? Dont you realize that Noahs task to gather every existing animal on earth is an impossibility? Do these stories seem to resemble reality or modern day fairytales and/or myths? Furthermore, if these stories are indeed not factual, then who is to say that any of the Bible is factual?


4. To my understanding, in order to go to heaven, you must believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he has died for our sins. How could I possibly be expected to believe this if there is no conclusive evidence to support this idea? Additionally, if I am a man of good heart, why should I be destined to suffer in Hell for eternity because I am skeptical of the idea of Jesus and his sacrifice?

5. What is God hiding from? If God is real, and Christianity is correct in all forms, why doesn’t God make this clear to each and every human being. Why wouldn’t God want to minimize confusion?

6. If God created all life, who created God?

These are just the questions that I could think of right now that leave haunting doubts in my mind whenever I attempt to become religious. I’d like these questions to be answered individually. So if you’d like to respond to only a portion of my questioning, please indicate the specific question that you are responding to prior to your response. Thanks for helping.

Peace and love to all,
-matthew

1. It's your decision. You pick. You're on the right track knowing that life didn't pop up out of nowhere.

2. Dinosaurs are irrelevant for the most part. Some people believe that the Bible does talk about the dinosaurs interacting with people, but we really don't know what the animals were that the Bible was talking about. Really, there's good evidence that people could have lived with the dinosuars at one point. Actually, it's very possible that the Great Flood wiped them out and that one of the two of the species died before they mated on the ship. Think about it, all dinosaurs disappearing at once and not any of the other animals? It's a radical idea, I know, but one to ponder. Of course the Bible doesn't say that dinosaurs existed with humans, but still.

3. Why do you say they're far fetched? In the beginning things were different for Adam and Eve because of their relationship with God. And really, the snake itself didn't talk, it was Satan working through the snake. And wHo's to say that God didn't give them a language(SP?) to speak? They spoke with God. There's good evidence for Noah's Ark. Have you looked it up? Go search it in on google sometime.

4. Because in Christianity, the blood of Jesus saves you and in order to obtain this, you must believe in Him. There's a lot that the Bible leaves for us to just believe because there's so much evidence for God's creation of the Physical world.
God wants a relationship with us just like we would want from our friends. I'd want a friend to believe in me and believe that I can do certain things, God's the same way.

The Bible says that God is love. God wants a loving relationship with him and we can't have that if we don't believe.

You deserve hell just like I do, but Jesus saves us. And in order to get to heaven, we must have this relationship with him because it's him that saves us.

5. God did 2000 years ago, even then people didn't believe it was him. Jesus even performed miracles and did all sorts of things and people didn't believe.

6. God has been around forever. The concept of forever is hard for us to grasp because everything in this universe has had something come before it. God made the world to be temporary. God also created the concept of time.

I've answered these with a religios point of view, not scientific. I hope it helped.

 

[heron]

Welcome to the forum!

the bunnies got no special attention in Genesis.. neither did Sharks or anything else we make a big fuss about.. so.. I would not expect dinosaurs to get any special press either..

I totally agree. There is no denial of dinosaurs.
Actually, if you look in Job, there is a creature described very similarly to a dragon -- interlocking scales, fearsome and powerful.

"His sneezes flash forth light,

And his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.​

19 "Out of his mouth go burning torches; ​

Sparks of fire leap forth. ​

20 "Out of his nostrils smoke goes forth ​

As from a boiling pot and burning rushes. ​

21 "His breath kindles coals, ​

And a flame goes forth from his mouth."​

Job 41

Again, you could say this is too far-fetched, but almost every culture recorded a similar animal.

There are many stories and drawings of dinosaur-like creatures throughout the history of civilization... people just hadn't come up with the name "dinosaur" yet. Do a search on "beasts."

2. Why does the Bible explain the creation of earth and existence with no reference to the thousands of years that dinosaurs roamed the earth?

The Hebrew word used there for "day" meant "a twist away of the light." That leaves one area open for re-interpretation -- length of a day.

3.With all of the farfetched stories in the Bible such as Adam and Eve and Noah's Ark which I see as obviously false, why should I believe that anything else in the Bible is true? Dont you find it a little ridiculous that a snake spoke to Eve? And if a snake did in fact speak to Eve, what language could they possibly be speaking if man had not created one yet?

You are referring to a couple of pages out of a couple thousand... stories that are considered by scholars to have been passed along for generations by word of mouth before they were written. It is the reader's choice, to take it completely literally or not.

Dont you realize that Noahs task to gather every existing animal on earth is an impossibility? Do these stories seem to resemble reality or modern day fairytales and/or myths? Furthermore, if these stories are indeed not factual, then who is to say that any of the Bible is factual?...2006 findings...

Actually, I was researching this recently; Turkey used to offer tours up to the ark. The area is very restricted now. We definitely need to be smart about jumping to conclusions, especially when tourism dollars are at work. But why stop researching? People who don't want to find out stick with their own conclusions.

I have met archaeologists who worked on digs for other locations in the Bible. There is plenty of evidence for events later than the flood.

4. To my understanding, in order to go to heaven, you must believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he has died for our sins. How could I possibly be expected to believe this if there is no conclusive evidence to support this idea? Additionally, if I am a man of good heart, why should I be destined to suffer in Hell for eternity because I am skeptical of the idea of Jesus and his sacrifice?

You're right, that's a common question here. Jesus' sacrifice was for redemption. It was a gift, and offer to do something for us.

He did not intimidate people into believing His words.

Everyone has a choice. You have a choice. It is not Christians to determine who lives eternally.

5. What is God hiding from? If God is real, and Christianity is correct in all forms, why doesn’t God make this clear to each and every human being. Why wouldn’t God want to minimize confusion?

Do you think that would work? Would it have worked for you? I probably would have tried to find a more interesting option.

6. If God created all life, who created God?

Every human being struggles with the question of how existence started.

 

[Key]

Every human being struggles with the question of how existence started.

I do agree with this.. but at the same time.. humans can grasp eternity in an abstract forum quite well.

It is just because we have a definite visual "start" and "end" in our segment of life on this planet, we equally assume that such is the case for all things, however, take animals that reproduce by division, in their case, there is no definite start and end of any life, they are what they are, the old does not go away, and a new does not seem to start from nothing, in the end. they are old, as old as life itself, because they never truly died, they are in a sense eternal, and growing and dividing...

We see these things in our everyday life.. and yet.. when we try to apply them to God.. it seems that the rejection is a desire to make God a Human.. as opposed to accepting that God plays by different rules then we do.

That is one of the problems that people face.. that God is .. well.. God... and a human is a finite limited animal on this planet. There are going to be vastly different power levels, different abilities, limitations and rules regarding each of them.

But irony is.. Humans understand.. "No Start.. No End"... but they just like to apply first clause situations to God.. I would gather.. because Christians apply first clause to atheistic creation theories.

Hope this Helps.

God Bless

Key

 

[Deren]

My name is Matthew. I was born into a Christian family and I am 18 years old. Despite my parents beliefs, i am not very religious. However, i'd like to be for the sole purpose that I believe that life did appear out of thin air. I believe their had to be a creator.

With that aside, let me begin my questioning.

1. Who am I to decide what religion is correct? There are and have been countless forms of religions praising a number of Gods and beliefs. Why should I believe that because of Christianity’s popularity that it is correct in all forms?

First of all, you aren't the one who decides which religion is correct, since God has already done that. Second, Christianity is not something that anyone believes because it's popular. The believe because God has endowed them with the faith to believe, and many times that belief has cost the Christian his/her life. Third, although there are many methods ("forms") of Christianity in which it is practiced, there is still only one way anyone becomes a Christian, and that is by God's grace, through faith, and that not of yourself. Hence, Christianity is so different from all the other religious ideologies in the world, that there is no comparison.

2. Why does the Bible explain the creation of earth and existence with no reference to the thousands of years that dinosaurs roamed the earth?

Because the Bible is not a book about dinosaurs roaming the earth. It is a book the reveals the person of God and his relationship to humanity, whom he created in his image. Moreover, it is a book about God's redemptive plan that is eventuated in the person of his son, Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, that said, whatever the Bible has to say about science, history, psychology, or whatever other mundane topic can be taken as absolutely true, given that God was the one would spoke about it in the first place.

3.

With all of the farfetched stories in the Bible such as Adam and Eve and Noah's Ark which I see as obviously false, why should I believe that anything else in the Bible is true?

And who are you to say that they're "far-fetched?" On what basis do you make you condemning accusation?

Dont you find it a little ridiculous that a snake spoke to Eve?

Why not? All kinds of "snakes" speak to people today in the form of human beings. Nevertheless, to answer your question, no, I don't find it ridiculous at all. Why should I? If God said that it happened, then who am I to rebut God? Or are you in your youth smarter than God?

And if a snake did in fact speak to Eve, what language could they possibly be speaking if man had not created one yet?

Man did not create language. God did, remember? In fact, the Bible says that Jesus "created all things" (Col. 1:15-20), and I think that that probably included language.

Dont you realize that Noahs task to gather every existing animal on earth is an impossibility?

Who says that it was an impossibility? You? Your atheistic biology teacher? You do realize that the ark was a pretty big boat and that he did have just a little help from God, and 120 years to get the job done, don't you? Now, I don't know about you, but I can a whole lot things done in just a day or so, but can you imagine 120 years and the help of God?

Do these stories seem to resemble reality or modern day fairytales and/or myths?

Actually, the criticisms seem more surreal than anything, given the self-centeredness of the arguments.

Furthermore, if these stories are indeed not factual, then who is to say that any of the Bible is factual?

"If?" Are you doubting already? Besides, I haven't found anyone in over 25 years of doing apologetic type ministry who ever presented a cogent reason why they think the Bible should be doubted. I mean, I've read a lot of acrimonious diatribe and mean-spirited insulting going on (i.e., Richard Dawkins latest effort in the God Delusion), but that's all. So, unless someone can come up with something a whole lot more rational, then I see no reason to call God a liar. Do you?

4. To my understanding, in order to go to heaven, you must believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he has died for our sins. How could I possibly be expected to believe this if there is no conclusive evidence to support this idea?

No conclusive support? Have you never read the Bible? Or are you under the false impression that Christians just dreamed Jesus up from nowhere, that he doesn't exist, never died on a cross, and that believing is analogous to believing that the New York Jets are America's team?

Additionally, if I am a man of good heart, why should I be destined to suffer in Hell for eternity because I am skeptical of the idea of Jesus and his sacrifice?

Who says that you're "a man of good heart," and just what differentiates you from the felon in prison who thinks he's the same? The point is, everyone thinks that they're better than they actually are, which is why God made Jesus the standard by which if a person was going to enter heaven, it was going to be through him, and if a person was to model "good" behavior, then once again, Jesus was that model. And those failing in both attempts, get the alternative. It's as simple as that.

5. What is God hiding from? If God is real, and Christianity is correct in all forms, why doesn’t God make this clear to each and every human being. Why wouldn’t God want to minimize confusion?

First of all, God is not hiding from anyone. Second, God has made himself clear to every human being, whether generally in nature, of specially through revelation. It's just that many who want to be their own little gods tend to ignore both and create their own confusion, and then deny that they're responsible, shifting the blame to God as he's a bad guy for all the problems in the world.

6. If God created all life, who created God?

Nobody. God is self-existent.

These are just the questions that I could think of right now that leave haunting doubts in my mind whenever I attempt to become religious. I’d like these questions to be answered individually. So if you’d like to respond to only a portion of my questioning, please indicate the specific question that you are responding to prior to your response. Thanks for helping.

Peace and love to all,
-matthew

Considered them answered.

 

[salida]

SilentStatus -

No, nothing is ridiculous in the Bible. In fact, its the most true book in the world. Read Evidence Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell (it would stand up in a court of law) and Examine the Evidence by Muncaster (a former athiest).

Biblical Evidence (Scratching the Surface Only)

Internal Evidences
Prophesies that are confirmed within Bible

- Life of Christ
The Tribe of Judah, Gen 49:10 - Luke 3:23-28
(Genesis was written 4004 BC to 1689 BC)
(Luke's time period is 60-70 AD)

Royal Line of David, Jer 23:5 -Matt 1:1
(Jeremiah 760 to 698 BC)/(Matthew 60-70 AD)

Born of a Virgin, Isaiah 7:14/Matt 1:18-23
(Isaiah 760 to 698 BC)/(60-70 AD)

**I can list at least 20 more of these.
-Rise of Empires
In the book of Daniel, Chapter 2 - four kingdoms are described in the interpretation of the dream of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greek - Daniel 8:21, 10:20) and a fourth great kingdom to follow - part iron and clay - which is the Roman Empire - during this empire Christ came and the church was established - Daniel 2:44.

-Historical Accuracy
The Bible is loaded with historical statements concerning events hundreds of years ago, yet has not been proven incorrect on any.
(Bible compared to other ancient documents):
New Testament - starts at 25 years - between original and first surviving copies
Homer - starts at 500 years
Demosthenes - at 1400 years
Plato - at 1200 years
Caesar - at 1000 years

Number of Manuscript Copies
New Testament - 5,686
Homer - 643
Demosthenes - 200
Plato - 7
Caesar - 10

Consistency
Written by at least 40 men over a period of time exceeding 1400 years, and has no internal inconsistencies.



Claim of Inspiration
It claims to be spoken by God, 2 Tim 3:16-17). No other religious book makes such claims.

External Evidences
(Prophesies Outside the Bible)
These cities were prophesied to be destroyed and never be built again.
Nineveh - Nahum 1:10, 3:7,15, Zephaniah 2:13-14
Babylon - Isaiah 13:1-22)
Tyre (Ezekiel 26:1-28)

Bible before Science
He hangs the earth on nothing - Job 26:7
(Job was written at least 1000 years ago - some scholars think it could be even 3000 years ago)
Note: Man only knew this for 350 years
Earth is a sphere, Isaiah 40:22
Air has weight, Job 28:25
Gravity - Job 26:7, Job 38:31-33
Winds blow in cyclones, Eccl 1:6

Documents that Prove Bible is True
Gilgamesh Epic, The Sumerian King List, Mari Tablets, Babylonian Chronicles

Archealogoical Finds
Excavations of Ur, Location of Zoar, Ziggurats and the foundation of Tower of Babel

Also, you may want to visit www.reasons.org - belief and science.

 

[SilentStatus]

First of all, you aren't the one who decides which religion is correct, since God has already done that.

How on earth could you possibly know for sure what happened 2000 years ago? How could you just cancel out the possibility that other religions have merit?

Christianity is not something that anyone believes because it's popular.

Thousands of children are born into christian homes. Dont you think that this means they are very prone to believing in the religion simply because their family does?

All kinds of "snakes" speak to people today in the form of human beings. Nevertheless, to answer your question, no, I don't find it ridiculous at all. Why should I? If God said that it happened, then who am I to rebut God? Or are you in your youth smarter than God?

Maybe you dont understand my question. Im asking how an animal could speak to a human. Animals do not speak. and if the snake only spoke through satans power then why isn't satan speaking through animals in todays world? And to answer your question, I am not in the slightest bit claiming that I am smarter than God. I am questioning whether God really did say what you THINK he said.

Who says that you're "a man of good heart," and just what differentiates you from the felon in prison who thinks he's the same? The point is, everyone thinks that they're better than they actually are, which is why God made Jesus the standard by which if a person was going to enter heaven, it was going to be through him, and if a person was to model "good" behavior, then once again, Jesus was that model. And those failing in both attempts, get the alternative. It's as simple as that.

Lol noone said that I’m a man of good heart. I said IF I am. Assuming that I am, why should I be doomed to spend eternity burning in hell because I don’t believe that some dude 2000 years ago died on a cross for my sins.