Questions for the TECs regarding human evolution

[AureateDawn]

As humans evolved, what decided they would stop simply dying and going to Hell, or simply dying, but would rather go to heaven? When did humans become developed enough to become Adam and Eve? What of the humans before that that didn't quite have the same mental capacity?

 

[Dannager]

As humans evolved, what decided they would stop simply dying and going to Hell, or simply dying, but would rather go to heaven? When did humans become developed enough to become Adam and Eve? What of the humans before that that didn't quite have the same mental capacity?

We don't know. Why is this important, though?

 

[AureateDawn]

Why is knowing how God created everything important? It may have been evolution, it may have been in billions of years, it may have been instant, perhaps slow.... why is it important?

Thus, my question still stands. It's my only real problem holding me back from being a TE.

 

[rmwilliamsll]

As humans evolved, what decided they would stop simply dying and going to Hell, or simply dying, but would rather go to heaven? When did humans become developed enough to become Adam and Eve? What of the humans before that that didn't quite have the same mental capacity?

the first thing you have to realize is that there is no TE party line. there is no single way to integrate science with the first few chapters of Genesis. it is very much of a spectrum or continuum of ideas.

the second thing is that Genesis is not science, you can't talk about Adam and Eve in scientific terms, only in religious terms. To biology Adam and Eve are invisible and unknown.

There are TE's who think Adam and Eve were historical and real people however a majority probably do not.
Even among those who do think they were real people there is no consistency as to dating them, i've seen from 300Kya to 6Kya.

There is no consistent way to see Adam's distinction from the earlier pre-Adamics as well. Some propose a unique creation of Adam, others propose a change for a pre-existant being, others propose that God did something special with Adam other than physical.

simply put.
unlike YECism there is no TE party line.

 

[gluadys]

As humans evolved, what decided they would stop simply dying and going to Hell, or simply dying, but would rather go to heaven?

God did.

When did humans become developed enough to become Adam and Eve?

We don't know. It is probably not a physical property such as would be preserved in fossils.

What of the humans before that that didn't quite have the same mental capacity?

One could ask the same of children and people who have Down's Syndrome and other forms of mental deficiencies. Are they incapable of knowing God and salvation?

In short, its not a matter of mental capacity either. For all we know God considered neanderthals, erectus, ergaster and habilis to be as human as we are. Or maybe not. It's just not a question that has a clear answer.

 

[rmwilliamsll]

What of the humans before that that didn't quite have the same mental capacity?

My Pastor's father was a preacher for 50+ years now he has alzehimer's, did he cease to be a Christian when he was no longer able to think?

 

[JohnR7]

My Pastor's father was a preacher for 50+ years now he has alzehimer's, did he cease to be a Christian when he was no longer able to think?

Is this a rhetorical question?

Actually, being a pastor for 50 years does not make him a christian.

I am sure you know that you do not lose your salvation for having alzehimer's.

 

[Smileyill]

Why is knowing how God created everything important? It may have been evolution, it may have been in billions of years, it may have been instant, perhaps slow.... why is it important?
Thus, my question still stands. It's my only real problem holding me back from being a TE.

Only in Heaven will we know for sure how, why or when God created everything. He did and the Bible is inspired, that's all you need to know before studying the Bible so you'll know "what."

 

[stumpjumper]

As humans evolved, what decided they would stop simply dying and going to Hell, or simply dying, but would rather go to heaven? When did humans become developed enough to become Adam and Eve? What of the humans before that that didn't quite have the same mental capacity?

Back up a little...

What is a soul?

 

[laptoppop]

the first thing you have to realize is that there is no TE party line.

Not a bad signature line!

 

[Assyrian]

the first thing you have to realize is that there is no TE party line.

Not a bad signature line!

Hi! Welcome to the TE Party Line,
My name is Oook Ook a EEE ook
and I'm wearing fur...

 

[EnemyPartyII]

As humans evolved, what decided they would stop simply dying and going to Hell, or simply dying, but would rather go to heaven? When did humans become developed enough to become Adam and Eve? What of the humans before that that didn't quite have the same mental capacity?

An EXCELENT example of a THEOLOGICAL question, rather than a scientific one.

 

[EnemyPartyII]

It may have been evolution, it may have been in billions of years, it may have been instant, perhaps slow.... why is it important?

because evolutionary theory has modern, practical applications. The most basic one being antibiotics. If you don't use evolutionary theory, there is no rational explanation for how bacteria gain resistance to antibiotics.

 

[sfs]

because evolutionary theory has modern, practical applications. The most basic one being antibiotics. If you don't use evolutionary theory, there is no rational explanation for how bacteria gain resistance to antibiotics.

More to the point for me, if I don't use evolutionary theory, I don't get a paycheck.

 

[EnemyPartyII]

More to the point for me, if I don't use evolutionary theory, I don't get a paycheck.

tyhat makes it rather difficult for you to claim to be impartial on the subject

 

[chaoschristian]

As humans evolved, what decided they would stop simply dying and going to Hell, or simply dying, but would rather go to heaven? When did humans become developed enough to become Adam and Eve? What of the humans before that that didn't quite have the same mental capacity?

Is grace freely bestowed by God or is it earned through natural processes?

If it is the latter, than what of those, past, present and future, who fail to exhibit the correct physical characteristic?

If it is a result of a natural process, then can its source be discovered (a gene perhaps) and therefore manipulated? Can we genetically engineer corn to be saved?

Is Genesis a record of how God bestows grace, or is it an early attempt by men to come to terms with their understanding of what grace meant to them?

 

[EnemyPartyII]

Is grace freely bestowed by God or is it earned through natural processes?

I don't believe that God would deny ANY sentient being salvation.

Humans are the only creature with original sin. But I don't imagine a loving God would deny us the companionship of animals in the next life. For some people, life without their dog WOULD be hell.

Given that animals don't have original sin, I don't know what criteria there are for an animal being "saved" or not... but I believe some arrangement would be made.

Sentient computers... now THERES a question to consider

 

[chaoschristian]

Sentient computers... now THERES a question to consider

Dave . . . what are you doing Dave?

I'm baptising you Hal.

 

[fragmentsofdreams]

I believe that this question is, barring a personal revelation from God, is beyond our ability to answer.

 

[EnemyPartyII]

Dave . . . what are you doing Dave?

I'm baptising you Hal.

*pours water down the nearest interface slot*

smoke billows, sparks fly "Daisy, Daisy, give me your... answer......do......."