Scam; you say??
Posted on 01/06/2015 5:13:00 AM PST by metmom
Did you read the article? People smarter than me say that you can. But we can agree to disagree.
Can you provide rock solid proof that gravity exists?
Why are you switching the subject. The question is: Can the existence of this being you call god be proven?
I have always felt that if you believe something you should be able to defend that belief.
Then why would you believe in something you can't prove exists?
I can prove that Australia exists by flying there.
I can prove that electricity exits by using a VOM.
Why should I believe in a being whose existence can't be proven?
DNA
Interestingly, Scripture addresses those who do not believe and states that if someone does not believe the Law and the prophets, even if someone were to rise from the dead, they would be unconvinced.
And why should I believe that this scripture is the "word of god"? Why should I believe that it is anything more than a Tom Clancy novel?
This is very close to what the LDS people say to me when they come to my house.
Are you suggesting that I should believe because someone has a "burning in the bosom"?
I have read the bible cover to cover, several times, and it does not speak to me.
Entertainment
Are you aware of the history of Scripture, the time frame over which it is written, the various authors of the different books?
I am aware of the "claimed" history.
How would you account for the cohesiveness of the Bible, massive work as it is, as a whole?
The same way I account for the cohesiveness of a Tom Clancy novel, Darn good editing.
Have you compared it to other religious works? I've seen some of the other religious writings of others and they are juvenile in comparison and do not have the continuity and cohesiveness that the Bible does.
My homeschooling parents insisted that I study all of the major religions. I have read various translations of their religious writings. They have had the same effect on me.
When I began my search I re-read most of them.
Sure I can DEFEND that belief.
What I don’t think I can do is provide whatever it is you consider rock solid proof, whatever that is that fits your criteria.
So what would you consider rock solid proof?
Touching God?
The guys that nailed Jesus to the cross did that.
The Pharisees did that too, and sure, they believed in God, but that does not mean they had faith in Him.
There is a difference.
So what are you looking for exactly?
Do you really doubt God exists?
Or do you want to be convinced of His character as a God in whom you can believe and trust, One who is worthy of that belief and trust?
FWIW, there are a lot of misconceptions about God and based on the reasons that many people reject God, if I thought that He was what they think He’s like, I’d reject that god too.
But I’ve found Him to not be as many religions portray Him. One of the biggest impediments of people reaching out to God is the damage done to His character and His name by people who claim to be speaking for Him.
Sure, but do you not have to be pretty convinced that it exists in order to make the effort to fly there in the first place?
Not a very polite answer at all.
You can’t “see” a thought. You can see that someone is thinking, but the thought is only there for the person who thunk it.
Attacked?
By a similar question?
HMMMmmm...
Scam; you say??
The guys that nailed Jesus to the cross did that.
We know that there was a historical person named Jesus did exist and that he died the death of a criminal. The writings of Josephus tell us that. But we don't know that he was truly the "son of god."
The bible tells us that god wrote his commandments on stone tablets and they were placed in the Ark of the Covenant. Well where are they, where is the Ark?
The bible says it was stolen when the temple was destroyed. Sounds awfully convenient, just like the LDS and their "golden plates."
Defending is different than proving.
By definition a 'belief' cannot be proven.
I like you, you are funny.
Are you STILL carrying that grudge toward Santa?
The same con artists that span 2000 years?
Seems they would have lost interest.
I'm glad you told us this; for I was about to ask whether this was an actual seeking of GOD or merely a veiled way to show us silly 'christians' how lame our logic is.
The facts are these:
There IS a god,
or there is not.
If there is not; then let's go to a movie or play golf or something.
If there is; there MUST be a way for HIM, him, it, she, them to communicate with us.
(That is assuming that this entity WANTS to communicate anything to us.)
In case you didn't recognize them those were Jesus words.
Many people have been exactly where you are today: seeking an answer.
Some have documented their search.
Here is an excellent example of one man's journey.
http://www.amazon.com/Evidence-That-Demands-Verdict-Volume/dp/0840743785
There IS a god,
or there is not.
If there is not; then let's go to a movie or play golf or something.
If there is; there MUST be a way for HIM, him, it, she, them to communicate with us.
(That is assuming that this entity WANTS to communicate anything to us.)
Ah, your version of Pascal's wager.
Do you believe that this is more useful than Aquinas's "five proofs"?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.