Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: PetroniusMaximus
Because it is another proof of the reality and veracity of the Scriptures and the Christian faith.

I suppose, but as a Christian, I have never, ever doubted that Paul was a real person, and I bet very few other Christians had doubts that he was either. Plus, it is extremely unlikely that there will be some 'smoking gun' proof that this really was Paul's tomb, unlike say some inscription on an Egyptian mummy's tomb.

379 posted on 12/06/2006 5:02:52 PM PST by AmericaUnited
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 378 | View Replies ]


To: AmericaUnited; PetroniusMaximus
Plus, it is extremely unlikely that there will be some 'smoking gun' proof that this really was Paul's tomb, unlike say some inscription on an Egyptian mummy's tomb.

Except of course tradition has ALWAYS held that Paul was buried on this site (I believe even Protestants accept this tradition since it has nothing to do with any theological disagreement) AND THE TOMB IS INSCRIPED, "APOSTLE PAUL, MARTYR."

It is beyond me why some here feel that any thread that is remotely related to Catholicism should be used as an advantage to smear Catholics. Christians have always buried their dead, go to any cemetary, those are memorials to PEOPLE, we do not bury our dead in unmarked graves and forget them as the Mohammadens do.

380 posted on 12/06/2006 5:14:25 PM PST by wagglebee ("We are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom." -- President Bush, 1/20/05)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 379 | View Replies ]

To: AmericaUnited
"I suppose, but as a Christian, I have never, ever doubted that Paul was a real person, and I bet very few other Christians had doubts that he was either."




Fundamentally, what is the difference between Christianity & Mormonism? Both adherents honestly "believe" that the events in their faith's Scriptures actually occurred. Very few Mormons doubt the historicity of the events in the Book of Mormon.

What's the difference?

One faith has a plethora of historical artifacts, archeology, references in secular history, ancient manuscripts to point to as evidence that these things really, truly happened.

The other does not.


Without suportative evidence like the ones listed, what answer would you have for the person who asks "How do you know the events of the Bible occured as described?" You would be left with something like "Well... I just believe it, etc...) i.e. an appeal to personal experience.

"Faith" in something - an event, a person - is little better than wishful thinking if the event which you have faith in did not actually occur. Anything which confirms the Scripture's testimony regarding the events which are central to our faith is a blessing - to all Christians.

These remains of Paul (if they be authentic) could (and should) be as much a blessing to a thoughtful believer as visiting Israel, seeing Nazareth, the sea of Galilee or viewing a 1900 year old fragment of John's gospel in a museum would be.
384 posted on 12/06/2006 5:31:34 PM PST by PetroniusMaximus
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 379 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson