Sometimes people will freely admit that there is no valid argument or evidence for the existence of a god, but say that they have faith, and that that is enough for them. In that case though, how do you decide which god to believe in, what his characteristics are, which parts of dogma to accept and which to reject, and so on? How can you be sure that the Bible is the true word of this god, and not (for example) the Qur'an? Do you just go with what you're comfortable with, what you were brought up with?
2007-04-10 12:49:44 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think it's based on experience and intuition. I evaluate the claims of a Scripture based on if it's true to my personal experience. Well, that's not ALL I base it on. First, I look at it with reason and evidence. But if the claims are not testable in a scientific way, then I ask myself if this is a good way of describing a real human experience. Does the teaching promote what is good in humans, or what is bad? If it promotes what is good, and can serve to increase the goodness in humans, then I call that a true Scripture. I realize this is not the typical way that believers evaluate scriptures, but who said I was typical. hehehehe.
2007-04-10 15:36:12 · answer #1 · answered by Heron By The Sea 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I do rely on reason and evidence, and I sometimes worry that humans are the only life form in the universe that cannot see the lunacy in basing a significant part of our moral/ethical code on thousand year old superstitions, and what our "guts" say is right.
Even if there is some truth in these religions, they are overflowing with prejudice, contradiction, nonsense, anecdotes and illogic. With all the tremendous advances humans have made in understanding themselves, and the world around them, I have to believe it's impossible that we can not improve upon these religions, yet the masses remain slaves to fear.
Undoubtedly, it will be the more courageous, logical, scientific among us (read atheist) that will light the way towards a future where superstition and fantasy are relegated to children's storybooks, and beliefs will be based upon what is real, testable and provable.
2007-04-10 20:09:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I was not brought up with Jesus. And I dont think science can be used to supplant belief in God. You have left out the power of the Holy Spirit in these matters. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. The Word stands even through centuries of being banned, burned, outlawed, hated, despised. no other book in history has been more widely printed, distributed, & translated into many different languages. The Bible is clear that the "natural man" cannot understand the things of the Spirit of God...only a person who has the Holy Spirit within can understand. This applies to people who have accepted Jesus through faith & believe in His death & resurrection, and want a relationship with Him for the rest of their lives. The Holy Spirit convicts & reveals God's truth to the believer. We are convicted in Spirit, Heart, & Soul. God is truly awesome.............><> In Christ <><
2007-04-10 20:26:46 · answer #3 · answered by Barbara J 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have a question for you...
Do you believe in good and evil? What is good? What is evil? How do you decide what parts to accept and which to reject, and so on...
How can you be sure you know right from wrong?
What does the world really need most?
I think what we need most is a savior. A way to get right with God again.
The question all religions ask, or should ask:
HOW DO I GET INTO HEAVEN?
WHAT IS MY ASSURANCE OF SALVATION?
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT SIN?
What do other religions say about that?...
2007-04-10 20:03:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Koran was written 2500 years after the fact. Moses could truly say, "You heard it here first."
What is in the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) coincides with what is in humanity and with the history of the world.
God's word the Bible tells exactly what is happening since the dawn of history to now.
2007-04-10 19:55:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
What the Bible speaks about things is known to be truth. For example in history and science. So it is at least accurate in these areas. And if this is so, then it follows it is accurate in what it says about God.
2007-04-10 19:55:08 · answer #6 · answered by RB 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
only two answers? seems that the religious can't answer you
2007-04-10 20:01:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋