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Lesson of the Flood Story

Athrond

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GOD already calls those that say their is no GOD in their hearts fools. I'm not the one who labeled them as such.

The fool says in their heart that there is no GOD. Psalm 14:1

Dawkins is essentually calling every "Christian" a fool for believing (in his term) stories regarding such a terrible made up GOD. He calls me a fool. I'm simply saying GOD calls him one. As a "Christian" yourself, whose authority do you believe carries the most weight --- GOD or Mr. Dawkins?

nm...
 
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LifeToTheFullest!

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Creationism/ID does not belong in the science class. It is not subject to the same rigors as science, and is not falsifiable. It is a religious teaching, nothing else. Even the religious community recognizes separation of church and state.

If you want to include creation strories in public schools, then equal time should be given to all religions.

I know that creationists feel they have god on their side and it is their duty to indoctrinate everyone else with their dogma, but in the U.S. we're still a democracy, and not a theocracy.
 
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MoonLancer

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I'm concerned that men like Dawkins have nearly full control of our public educational system without affording any time to creation. Am I wrong?

if you could show that, God exists.... and if he does, that God actually said that you may have a point. however we both know you can do nether.
 
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Danyc

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God already calls those that say their is no God in their hearts fools. I'm not the one who labeled them as such.

The fool says in their heart that there is no GOD. Psalm 14:1

Dawkins is essentually calling every "Christian" a fool for believing (in his term) stories regarding such a terrible made up God. He calls me a fool. I'm simply saying God calls him one. As a "Christian" yourself, whose authority do you believe carries the most weight --- God or Mr. Dawkins?

Doesn't matter what I may believe; I do not consider a person a fool for not accepting something that has no evidence for its existence.

If there were evidence for Gods existence, then we wouldn't need faith. Why all this talk about having faith, if the evidence of God is all around us? One of the inconsistencies of mainstream Christianity I find strange.
 
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Nathan Poe

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Well, actually that is very merciful. The Bible seems to indicate to me that there are levels of punishment in hell, just as there are levels of reward in heaven.

Chapter and verse, nip? I suspect you're confusing the Bible with Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy.

So by GOD ending the life a an evil person early on, HE is extending mercy by not allowing that individual to dig his own eternity...

By sending them to hell that much sooner? That's the kind of "mercy" we all can do without.

GOD never fails.

Except when He does.

  • His first attempt to create an Earthly Paradise -- Eden -- ended in failure.
  • His first attempt to eradicate evil from His creation -- the Flood -- ended in failure.
  • His first covenant with His people -- through Abraham and Moses -- ended in failure, necessitating a second covenant.
The only way the present day saved individuals could have ever existed would have been to allow the fall of man.

Without the fall, being saved would never have been necessary in the first place.

Consider: In a world where there is no crime, there is no need of prisons. Shall we then commit crimes for no reason except for the hope of parole? :scratch:

GOD foreknew and predestined CHRIST to die for the sins of all, fully aware that there were going to be other very foolish individuals who would thumb their noses and miss out on the rest of the story...

Individuals whom God endangers, and had no interest in saving.

Again, that's exactly the kind of "mercy" we're all better off without.
 
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BananaSlug

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Chapter and verse, nip? I suspect you're confusing the Bible with Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy.



By sending them to hell that much sooner? That's the kind of "mercy" we all can do without.



Except when He does.

  • His first attempt to create an Earthly Paradise -- Eden -- ended in failure.
  • His first attempt to eradicate evil from His creation -- the Flood -- ended in failure.
  • His first covenant with His people -- through Abraham and Moses -- ended in failure, necessitating a second covenant.
Without the fall, being saved would never have been necessary in the first place.

Consider: In a world where there is no crime, there is no need of prisons. Shall we then commit crimes for no reason except for the hope of parole? :scratch:



Individuals whom God endangers, and had no interest in saving.

Again, that's exactly the kind of "mercy" we're all better off without.

Exactly:thumbsup:

6 But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, 7 nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.”[b] 8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. 9 For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son.”[c]
10 And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac 11 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), 12 it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.”[d] 13 As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”[e]
Israel’s Rejection and God’s Justice


14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.”[f] 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.”[g] 18 Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.
19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” 20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?
22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
Romans 9:6-24
 
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LittleNipper

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Creationism/ID does not belong in the science class. It is not subject to the same rigors as science, and is not falsifiable. It is a religious teaching, nothing else. Even the religious community recognizes separation of church and state.

If you want to include creation strories in public schools, then equal time should be given to all religions.

I know that creationists feel they have god on their side and it is their duty to indoctrinate everyone else with their dogma, but in the U.S. we're still a democracy, and not a theocracy.

According to whom? All religions are not even founded in discernable logic. And not all religions produce an enjoyable society in which to live (not that that is an end unto itself). I'm sorry that you are so anti-creation that you imagine that evolution is not itself merely a religious consideration among secularists...
 
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LifeToTheFullest!

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According to whom? All religions are not even founded in discernable logic. And not all religions produce an enjoyable society in which to live (not that that is an end unto itself). I'm sorry that you are so anti-creation that you imagine that evolution is not itself merely a religious consideration among secularists...

You are correct: "All religions are not even founded in discerable logic."

You are correct: "And not all religions produce an enjoyable society in which to live."

You are incorrect: I do not "imagine that evolution is not itself merely a religious consideration among secularits."

The theory of evolution is based entirely on observable fact, in which all scientific fields of study confirm.

You should understand the word theory. In academics, the term theory is the highest attainable definition of a particular field of study. Someone unfamiliar with scientific method should read the word "theory" as "fact." As in, the fact of evolution. Laws only exist in mathematics.
 
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Hespera

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According to whom? All religions are not even founded in discernable logic. And not all religions produce an enjoyable society in which to live (not that that is an end unto itself). I'm sorry that you are so anti-creation that you imagine that evolution is not itself merely a religious consideration among secularists...

One thing i find interesting and strange about religious people is that so often they seem to think that EVERYONE is religious. That religion is the main issue in life. That if it isnt onereligion it has to be another.

Try to understand, its not like that. You are on the wrong side of the fence to see it!

Maybe try this. Think of someone is so obsesed with French soccer that it is the focus of their life. So the ask what team is your favorite? And you say, "I dont have a favorite team".

So they may respond, What? Everyone has a favorite team. Or are you an asoccerist? Even if you are an assoccuerist, THAT is your team, So really you are a soccer fan after all. Your team is asoccer.

Well sorr if the analogy is clunky. But... I just thought maybe you could realize that others have so different viewpoint that you are not properly grasping what it consists of.

Observing the reality of evolution is no more a religion than it is a religion for a geologist to observe the reality of how erosion and deposition by a river shapes the landscape.

Does that make sense to you?
 
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LifeToTheFullest!

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One thing i find interesting and strange about religious people is that so often they seem to think that EVERYONE is religious. That religion is the main issue in life. That if it isnt onereligion it has to be another.

Try to understand, its not like that. You are on the wrong side of the fence to see it!

Maybe try this. Think of someone is so obsesed with French soccer that it is the focus of their life. So the ask what team is your favorite? And you say, "I dont have a favorite team".

So they may respond, What? Everyone has a favorite team. Or are you an asoccerist? Even if you are an assoccuerist, THAT is your team, So really you are a soccer fan after all. Your team is asoccer.

Well sorr if the analogy is clunky. But... I just thought maybe you could realize that others have so different viewpoint that you are not properly grasping what it consists of.

Observing the reality of evolution is no more a religion than it is a religion for a geologist to observe the reality of how erosion and deposition by a river shapes the landscape.

Does that make sense to you?
You make a good point Hespera, but unfortunately the presupposed constructs of creationism don't allow for one to use reason and intelligence as a guide.
 
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Hespera

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You make a good point Hespera, but unfortunately the presupposed constructs of creationism don't allow for one to use reason and intelligence as a guide.


Well some people are immune to reason or other points of view. I dont think it is universal among creationists. Sure hope not!

Lets see if Nip can see my point of view about this. There is nothing central to the tenets of Christianity.. that I can see.. that would require not accepting what I said as sincere and truthful.

Its cool when people from very different backgrounds can find some common understanding.
 
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LifeToTheFullest!

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Well some people are immune to reason or other points of view. I dont think it is universal among creationists. Sure hope not!

Lets see if Nip can see my point of view about this. There is nothing central to the tenets of Christianity.. that I can see.. that would require not accepting what I said as sincere and truthful.

Its cool when people from very different backgrounds can find some common understanding.
Yes, I agree.

BTW, who is the person in your avatar?
 
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LittleNipper

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One thing i find interesting and strange about religious people is that so often they seem to think that EVERYONE is religious. That religion is the main issue in life. That if it isnt onereligion it has to be another.

Try to understand, its not like that. You are on the wrong side of the fence to see it!

Maybe try this. Think of someone is so obsesed with French soccer that it is the focus of their life. So the ask what team is your favorite? And you say, "I dont have a favorite team".

So they may respond, What? Everyone has a favorite team. Or are you an asoccerist? Even if you are an assoccuerist, THAT is your team, So really you are a soccer fan after all. Your team is asoccer.

Well sorr if the analogy is clunky. But... I just thought maybe you could realize that others have so different viewpoint that you are not properly grasping what it consists of.

Observing the reality of evolution is no more a religion than it is a religion for a geologist to observe the reality of how erosion and deposition by a river shapes the landscape.

Does that make sense to you?

I really don't like sports that well; however, I do understand the logic of working as a team ---- everyone does to one degree or another at some point in something they do. The religion comes in when one rationalizes that which cannot be observed.
 
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Hespera

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I really don't like sports that well; however, I do understand the logic of working as a team ---- everyone does to one degree or another at some point in something they do. The religion comes in when one rationalizes that which cannot be observed.

Im not much for sports either, despite going to a big football univ. I just cant get interested.

I do like working as part of a team. Did you know that the term "gung ho" is from Chinese? Means about working as a team or working together. In America it means a little different but thats its original meaning.

Yes you are right, I think so, that religion comes in to explain the unknown.
(not just want cant be observed of course). Primitive peoples explain all sorts of thigns with the supernatural. Now we have good explanations for some things but not for the big questions like what is the meaning of life? How did it all start? Why? Thats now I see it, I think thats what you are saying too.

What I was getting at is that if you look in a microscope, well you can see germs that cause disease, so by study we know its germs, not spirits that make us sick. Its not a religion to see how germs work!

The study of evolution is the same way. it doesnt explain how the universe started, where its going. It doesnt tell about good and bad, or any of that. It just tells how life forms can change over time. So that is not at all like a religion.

I was also saying that to some people... well like me... religion just isnt part of life. I have my own ways to seeing things, and none of it involves a creator, or anything supernatural. I dont believe any religion is right.
Who is right? I like to discuss or argue! It doesnt mean I am right, or wrong either.
 
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Naraoia

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Someone unfamiliar with scientific method should read the word "theory" as "fact."
Except when it's cutting-edge physics :D

It's interesting how everyone on the E side of CvE seems to agree that theories are extremely well-supported explanations, but I don't think there's such a clear consensus on the meaning of the word in the larger scientific community.

N.B.:
In the case of evolution, however, theory = fact is a good approximation. (Just thought I'd point that out as a pre-emptive measure)

I really don't like sports that well; however, I do understand the logic of working as a team ---- everyone does to one degree or another at some point in something they do. The religion comes in when one rationalizes that which cannot be observed.
Does this mean that Hespera's point flew past you at a supersonic speed? :scratch:
 
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LittleNipper

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Im not much for sports either, despite going to a big football univ. I just cant get interested.

I do like working as part of a team. Did you know that the term "gung ho" is from Chinese? Means about working as a team or working together. In America it means a little different but thats its original meaning.

Yes you are right, I think so, that religion comes in to explain the unknown.
(not just want cant be observed of course). Primitive peoples explain all sorts of thigns with the supernatural. Now we have good explanations for some things but not for the big questions like what is the meaning of life? How did it all start? Why? Thats now I see it, I think thats what you are saying too.

What I was getting at is that if you look in a microscope, well you can see germs that cause disease, so by study we know its germs, not spirits that make us sick. Its not a religion to see how germs work!

The study of evolution is the same way. it doesnt explain how the universe started, where its going. It doesnt tell about good and bad, or any of that. It just tells how life forms can change over time. So that is not at all like a religion.

I was also saying that to some people... well like me... religion just isnt part of life. I have my own ways to seeing things, and none of it involves a creator, or anything supernatural. I dont believe any religion is right.
Who is right? I like to discuss or argue! It doesnt mean I am right, or wrong either.

So why do some people eat the very same things and one gets sick and another doesn't? Or why is it that a healthy young man may die of some desease and yet another older person gets well and recovers? Science and medicine do not hold all the answers. They may provide a possibility, but not always a cut and dry rational reason.
 
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LifeToTheFullest!

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So why do some people eat the very same things and one gets sick and another doesn't? Or why is it that a healthy young man may die of some desease and yet another older person gets well and recovers? Science and medicine do not hold all the answers. They may provide a possibility, but not always a cut and dry rational reason.
Every one of your examples have a rational explanation. You fail to see that just because you may not understand, you assume everyone else must not understand, therefore god did it.

This is egocentric thinking, and I do not recommend it.
 
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