OK. Here's my problem with the science vs religious text thing:?

Question

Let's suppose that I accept that there's a divine being that created the world and continues to have interest in it.

The way I see it there are essentially two possible ways in which this deity has made itself, and its handiwork, known to me.

First, it could have written a book - literally, a book. In this book it could lay out *some* things about its creation but since its creation is infinite - spatially, temporally and cognizantly - and the book is necessarily finite, it could not say everything.

Alternatively, it could provide me with the intelligence, curiosity, free will and resources to explore its creation on my own - to allow me to "turn the pages" of an infinitely-paged 'book' through my own explorations - both triumphs and failures. Maybe not truth but at least verisimilitude.

It seems to me that the latter is more likely of a divine being. Your thoughts? (And, btw, I said "...suppose that I accept...a divine being..." so please no "sky fairy" comments.)

Elaine: How do you know that?

Umm.. Mato...

That's the *second* possibility - science - or rather, exploration and philosophy of which "science" is a branch. Judging from your avatar you look old enough to remember when science was called "natural philosophy", right? :)

I do NOT disagree that the theological writings of mankind are part of the process of exploration. I am simply unconvinced that a single book - no matter how thorough - can contain the wisdom, knowledge or teachings of a supposedly omniscient being.

Jeffersonian: Your argument is not surprising given your namesake. Are you truly a Jeffersonian w.r.t. this subject?

Answer 1

Would you be interested in knowing the Bible agrees with you?
Or .....you agree with the Bible?
Romans 1:20
"his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made."
Psalm 19:1
"The heavens are declaring the glory of God; And of the work of his hands the expanse is telling."
Plus, He wrote a book!
True, it does not say everythin g, but it says enough.

Answer 2

The Bible is more about wisdom and about
how to become spiritually alive and blessed.

God did give man the curiosity and intelligence
to explore. I am thankful to be able to do that.
Science is not the total sum of life, though!
There is spirituality and wisdom that science
does not explore and can not explore.
Divine revelation has a valid place in
the hearts of those who know what
it is about. Don't miss the opportunity!

Well, you ARE right, the Bible does not
contain the full knowledge of God.
How can it? We have limited understanding
no matter how hard we try to comprehend.
However, there is power in the scriptures
to help us believe in the Lord and to
understand what we are able to (in time and
space at this point). Hearing the scriptures
fills us with the faith we need in this time!
Our spiritual growth is ongoing!
It is about process of knowing God and
the Bible can be veiwed as an intoduction
compared to what we will learn in eternity.
I am humble before the Word of the Lord
because of the wisdom it provides.
Both wisdom and knowledge will increase.
Wisdom is more important than knowledge!

Answer 3

A third possibility...it could do both.

Your question assumes that God simply wants you to know that He exists and is powerful, and, yes, He could try to convey that to you via His creation: "The Heavens declare the glory of God." However, if that being wanted more of a relationship with you, He might very well write a book to reveal what He wants you to know about Him...things that transcend His mere existence and power.

Christians believe that God did both of these things.

As for your follow-up, I am a Jeffersonian in my political beliefs, which I post about more than my religious beliefs. Jefferson did not accept the deity of Christ, or the miraculous elements of the New Testament. I differ with him there.

Answer 4

Wouldn't the best approach be to do a little of both...just like every good textbook does. Lay out the foundation clearly and then act as a guide through the rest. The bible does this. The foundation not only acts as basis for knowledge, but because of its content, allows one to trust in God. The rest is a guide through life...complete with the opportunity to chuck the whole thing if one wishes to do so.

Answer 5

When we choose to find a middle path for variety of reasons,we should also be prepared to stay there ie mid way, which could be ,neither here nor there. If it's a deliberate choice,so be it.It's also a kind of free will but lesser liberating and satisfying.

Answer 6

Yes! I completely agree.
If God is our designer and he wants us to know the truth, if he choose to make his ways known through holy books, he certainly choose a roundabout way of doing it.

he's got the entire structure of the brain to work with... in my opinion, god could have simply imparted every human being with the unquestionable knowledge of his existence...
if there really is a great question-- to accept or reject the will of god, it should present itself to us without the need of a holy book.

Answer 7

Your argument fails to even mention to scientific explanation, therefore it is fallacious. You entered the debate with your preconceived notion and didn't even consider science as an explanation but rather put it as a side event due to your religious view.

Answer 8

Yep, a believer has to decide whether to believe the work of man (the Bible) or the work of God (the evidence for evolution, an ancient Earth, the Big Bang, and all those things which, if a god really existed, he would have been responsible for).

Answer 9

You know, an omnipotent being could just hang around with us saying "hey guys, I'm god, how'ya doin'?"

Answer 10

The Bible say,s everything there is to say,it tell us the how and why and about God,s true love.