So I decided to take the leap. Do a total reboot on my religious beliefs. I have to know that my beliefs are my owns and no one else's.
I started with asking some tough questions that have always been in my mind but I was too terrified to bring out to the surface. These were almost blasphemous and surely such questions would stir the wrath of God and I would be struck down. Or so I thought.
I realized that God, if he exists as I was told, would be much bigger than these questions and could handle the scrutiny. So here goes:
1. Does God really exist? What proof other than, " Just look around nature and see the proof"? Sorry. This is not good enough. While nature is magnificent, it COULD be the result of billions of years of "evolving" and growing. I need something more as proof.
2. Is the Bible really God's word? How did we get this Bible? How do we know there are not other books that belong in the Bible and perhaps some that are there that do not belong? Who was and is the final authority on these issues?
3. Did Jesus really exist? Do we have solid or close to solid evidence outside of the Bible for His existence? Surely the Son of God would leave such verifiable evidence behind. After all, He performed miracles when He was on the earth to prove who He was. Now we do not have such proof of miracles. Do we have proof, outside of the Bible, that these miracles indeed occurred?
4. Does the Bible condone slavery by its lack of condemnation of it? Doesn't it even talk about how to treat slaves? Why would an all-powerful God allow such wretched behavior as one human owning another?
5. Why would the Bible allow women to be treated as a lower class humans? I realize that this was the culture, but God could have commanded that we treat all people as equals.
Here are the really big sticking points for me:
6. How could God create us and this situation where he knew BEFOREHAND that millions and millions he created would be tortured for eternity? If I had that knowledge there is no way I would create what He did. This seems almost cruel to do so knowing the result.
7. Why would a God condemn people to hell who never heard of Him and had no chance of hearing? There had to be thousands and thousands of people dying after the kingdom was established that died never hearing of Jesus. How can that be considered just to send these people to hell? How many thousands or millions have died in this condition? This seems the polar opposite of justice to me.
8. What about the contradictions in the bible? Yes there are some and I have heard explanations. Some I buy and some I do not. Some supposed contradicitons are ridiculosly taken out of context. For example we are commanded to honor our parents, but Jesus tells us to hate our mother and father. This is clearly not a contradiction but a contextual matter. There are some real concerns. For example, the order of creation in Genesis; who was present at the tomb after ressurection; a rabbit chewing cud; were the apostles commanded to take a staff or not? These are just a few that seem to be real contradictions.
These are just a few of the questions I have. Just to be clear, I have no anger towards God. I just have these nagging questions that have been buried for so long. If I don't deal with them, I will never be able to truly be free to serve God.
I have researched some of theses questions and I must say that Christianity seems to be on very shaky ground. I must maintain as much objectivness as possible. My desire is put all the evidence out there and make a fair decision based on the facts.
and the journey continues...
What in H3ll Am I ?
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Hallo,
ReplyDeleteMy name's Steve. I have been on a similar journey of discovery myself. Having searched out the facts from the fiction and having proven these things to myself with tangible evidence and logic, I believe that I can answer your questions.
First though, let me tell you about my own journey.
I was brought up with a very wishy-washy belief in God. My parents were officially "Church of England" but, my mother didn't really have a solid faith. My father was agnostic, leaning toward the theory of evolution. He believed that all things could be demonstrated by science. I did inherit the same sense of practicality from him although, as a child, I automatically assumed that God existed.
My confusion began when, at school, I would be told, during assemblies, that God existed and loved me. I was never given any explanations for the deep questions of life; beginnings, suffering, the purpose of life etc.
The problem was that, as soon as we left assembly and went back to our classroom, we would be told, in no uncertain terms, that we existed as result of blind chance and that we had evolved from inferior creatures and that God was a delusion invented by humans. My teachers seemed to be able to back these claims up with science (fossils etc). Such was the weight of authority on this subject and such was the absence of challenge by my religious instructors (many of whom accepted evolution), that, by the time I was a young man, I had accepted the theory as fact. I did this reluctantly however because, firstly, it was a pretty grim conclusion but, also, the so-called evidence for evolution was weak and had gaping holes. I always had nagging doubts about it, no matter how emphatically teachers and the media insisted it was true. Over the years those doubts grew. In fact, the more I learned about this theory, the more unscientific it seemed. It was a surprise to learn that Darwin himself expressed doubt and regret over his theory later in his life. Meanwhile, the world around me facinated me and, I also became a father. As my experiences in life broadened, I came to reject the theory of evolution as a rational scientific explanation of life. I became more aware of the complexity of life, the beauty of life and my own yearning for meaning in life. It was soon after this that I read a book which challenged the scientific basis of the theory of evolution. As soon as I read that book, which contained solid evidence, I realised that the theory of evolution was not only unproven but, it was false.
Once I had satisfied myself of that fact, only one explanation remained, there must be a designer and creator of life!
I observed different religions over the years. What I saw was confusion, hypocrisy, greed and unsubstantiated claims. I rejected organised religion for many of the reasons you mention yourself in your introduction.
However, several years later, quite by accident, I came in contact with a very religious person. He was different. He showed me information which I had never seen before. He helped me to study, to research and to find the answers to the questions we all have. Furthermore, he did this by using evidence, scientific, historical, scriptural, logical evidence to prove that what he was saying was true. I spent over ten years studying and observing.
Based on the truths have discovered, I will answer the questions you raised, if you permit me. I will have to post these answers in several pages.
1) Does God exist? What proof is there?
ReplyDeleteGod does indeed exist and his existence can be verified and proven in many ways, including scientific. I have read many articles by top scientists who absolutely prove that it is against all the laws of physics to claim that the universe and life in it could result from any combination of accidents. It is a physical impossibility. To quote one such expert, Bryant Lecome du Nouy - the first scientist to apply mathematical formulae successfully to the statement of biological laws, "the laws of inorganic evolution contradict those of the evolution of life". He goes on to provide mathematical formulae to show that inorganic matter acting in accordance with it's laws could not have created even a single molecule of protein, let alone a living organism with powers of reproduction. He maintains that only through the intervention of God could the gap have been bridged between the inorganic and the organic. He is not alone. There are thousands of scientist around the world who have come to the same conclusion. In fact, a recent investigation, by the science journal "Nature" found that "almost 40% of biologists, physicists and mathematicians surveyed believed in a God who not only exists, but answers prayers".
Along with the abundance of scientific evidence to support these experts are the archaeological, historical and scriptural evidences. For example, the Bible contains statements that are scientifically accurate, even though they were written thousands of years before scientists discovered those facts. Furthermore, the Bible has successfully predicted hundreds of events, small and great, centuries before they happened. One example is in the book of revelation where it warns that "in the final age of this earth" people would be "ruining the earth". How did these writers know these things? There is only one possible explanation and, the Bible gives it when it says "no prophecy was brought about by men but they spoke from God" (2nd letter of Peter).
I have two publications which I am happy to lend to anyone who wants to read them. One is entitled "Life - How did it get here, by evolution or creation?" and it is a scientific examination of the evidence for and against the existence of God. The evidence overwhelmingly indicates that God exists. The second publication is entitled "The Bible - God's word or man's?" and is an examination of the claim that the Bible is a supernatural book from God. The evidence is once again overwhelming that the Bible is what it claims to be! If you would like to borrow these books, please email me at "jillysteve@hotmail.com" (I live in England but I will happily pay the postage).
2) Is the Bible really the word of God?
This is answered, in part in my previous answer. Any book which claims to be from our creator must stand out. It must be free from myth and contradiction, it should be scientifically correct, it should promote peaceful relations between humans, it should be available to all of any culture and language and it should contain evidence of divine inspiration including telling us what the future holds for our planet. Only the Bible does all these this. All other religious literature falls short. The Bible warns that "in the last days" there would be many false teachers and scriptures but, it says "if anyone declares to you something beyond what we declared to you, let them be accursed". All religious writings contradict the Bible on one subject or another.
The "final authority" on this subject is as the Bible states "we must obey God as ruler rather than men".
The book mentioned in the first answer above, deals with all criticism against the Bible and provides powerful evidence that it is the absolute word of our creator.
3) Jesus.
ReplyDeleteYes, there is much secular evidence today that Jesus existed. in fact, one historian wrote that "there is more evidence of Jesus' existence than there is of Napoleon's".
The book I mentioned previously contains much of that evidence, historical, archaeological and logical. It is compelling and reassuring.
4) Slavery.
The Bible condemns slavery, it does not condone it. By the time that the law was given to Moses (with the intention of preserving the Israelites until the Messiah would arrive), slavery was a part of life in all cultures. At that time God did not outlaw it because the social, structure would have been thrown into chaos if he had have done. Instead, he provided laws of protection and reward for any that were considered slaves. In fact, slavery in Israel was very different from that of the nations. Slaves were valued as members of the household. They were given food and lodging. The Mosaic law forbade any cruelty to slaves. Under the law a slave was to be set free at the jubillee year. Even then however, a slave could choose to stay with their master (an indication of the bonds which often grew). Mankind has abused his fellow man and enslaved him over the centuries, ignoring the bible's standards. Jesus made it clear when he said that, under his rule (in the near future, according to the Bible), all god-fearing people would enjoy "the glorious freedom of the children of God". Jesus called this the "recreation". He promised that "death will be no more, neither mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore".
Slavery was never part of God's purpose for humans. Anyone who enslaves his fellow man, does it despite God's standards, not because of them!
5) Women.
The nation of Israel was given a pattern for successful family life. This nominated different roles for each member of the family. The father was considered the "head", the director of things. No-one would object to a company director making decisions. He or she has been appointed by the board. God decided (for his own reasons) that a man was best suited to directing the affairs of his family. Men and women are very different, physically and emotionally. Our creator knows our capabilities best and he assigns us roles according to those capabilities. Two people cannot drive a car. Men cannot bear children.
Women in Israel were not subservient slaves. They conducted business affairs, instructed children and worked the land alongside their husband. The interesting thing is that when a family follows that simple principle of headship, it works and there is peace in the family. Modern alternative arrangements have produced rivalries, divorces, wrecked families and unhappiness. Guess what? God was right! The headship of a husband and father was to be governed by love and law. God would (and still does) hold a man responsible for the way he treats his family.
It is notable that the Bible not only says that "he who is first among you should be last" but it also reveals that many women were chosen by God to become part of the heavenly government (God's Kingdom). They would have "authority over angels".
6) Suffering for eternity?
ReplyDeleteGod created human beings with free will. That means that they could choose the path that they took. He gave them al the support and guidance they needed to be successful. Had they not had that free will, they would have been like robots and not "in God's image". Unfortunately, the majority of humans throughout history have chosen to ignore God and his standards. This includes many religious persons who make up their own laws.
God has permitted this, for a time and for a very good reason. The Bible says that "God permitted all the nations to go on in their own ways". The result has been this mess that we are in today. God has set up the means to correct these things and set things straight again. In the meantime, his guidance still stands and it is found in the Bible. Those that follow those guidelines find that life improves, even for those of us in the most desperate situations. God promises that he will support those who adhere to his principles and there are millions who can bear witness to this promise being fulfilled (including myself). It was not fore-ordained for people to suffer. God is going to undo all suffering and he promises to restore to life al those who have suffered and died in the past. He offers unending life on a perfect earth for any who will try to live life the way he advises.
On the point of suffering in hellfire, I am pleased to say that there is no such thing as hellfire and nobody is suffering there at this moment. Hellfire is an invention of men, not God. True there are some references to fire and destruction in the book of revelation but these are symbolic references. This is proven by the fact that the bible says that death and Hell are "thrown into the fire also". In the book of Jeremiah (chapter 7, verse 31) God condemns people for "burning their sons and daughters in the fire" and he goes on to say that "this is a thing that I had not commanded and that had not come up into my heart". God deplores such cruelty and he will "wipe away every tear from their eyes" and undo the pain of all those who have suffered at the hands of such sadists.
Regarding the comment about the kingdom being established, this is not what the Bible says happened at that time. Jesus said that there would be a period of time called the "appointed times of the nations“. This would be when God had no direct intervention in human affairs. God has allowed humans to try every type of political and social government and philosophy. Only when all these were seen to fail (just look around us!) would the kingdom be established but, not on earth. Jesus said "my kingdom is not of this world". The kingdom will rule from heaven and will replenish the earth and restore mankind to perfection. The Bible even gave the number of years before the kingdom would be set up but, that is another subject. The Bible says that "the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one" (letter of John) but that is soon to change when "thy kingdom comes".
Question 7 is dealt with above.
8) Contradictions.
ReplyDeleteThere seem to be some contradictions in the Bible. But, once more is learned about the language, context and historical facts, these are cleared up.
To deal with two of your objections, firstly the order of creation in Geneses. Sometimes, we cannot see the wood for the trees. We focus on the apparent discrepancy yet ignore the miraculous surroundings. One scientist commented that Moses named the phases of earth's creation in the correct order; darkness, water, land, light, plants, animals, man. This scientist stated that the odds of doing this, without scientific knowledge would be impossible. That is in itself remarkable about the Bible. As regards contradictions, some point to the fact the Moses states that light came to be later on the fourth day. Yet in the earlier verses, and before plant life, Moses says that light came to be. Why the discrepancy. The simple answer is in the Hebrew words that are used. The first occurrence of the word "light" uses the Hebrew word which means "light diffused" or hazy. Apparently, there was faint light from the solar system around the earth but the sun was not visible (from and earthly observer's point of view). The second occurrence of the word is different, it means "source of light", the sun, direct light.
Regarding the "rabbit chewing the cud", the Bible actually names the "Hare" as the chewer of the cud. This refers to the stomach chambers and the way that vegetation is ingested through a multiple process. Up until recent times, experts thought that the Bible was in error because the Hare was not known as a chewer of the cud. However, a naturalist finally observed a hare doing just that and it was established as a fact. The Bible was right all along. How did Moses know?
The other contradictions I will answer if anyone wants to e-mail me.
I hope this has helped. Sorry to ramble on but, I have to share the things I have learned. I identified with your plight when I read your blogg and, although I come from a different background, we are both seeking truth.
Regards,
Steve
1. Does God Exist? Start with the Bible. See "Heave?Hell? blog #2 Proves the Bible as fitting the dictionarys definition of fact. If the Bible is fact the author is a fact.
ReplyDelete2. #1 also proves #2
3. Did Jesus exist? Among others Josephus, A Jew, who would not accept the title of Messiah for him, described him as "the bastard son of Mary, as he chronicaled history for the Roman emperor.
4. There is a depiction of a man who prefers slavery. He loved his master and wanted to remain a slave even though he had fulfilled the obligation he was ubder. A slave master who treated all mankind as The Royal Law commands would not treat his slaves any differently that he would himself. The Bible is the history of fallen man. Slavery was not an invention of God.
5. Any collection of persons has a leader when there are thing to be accomplished. God chose the man. The Man is commanded to "love his wife as he loves himself. The difference is miniscule and is for final responsibility in the family education about God.
6. He wanted willing fellowship. Can you immagine walking with God in the Garden? Talk about teaching moments! That was not enough for Adam and he knew the consequences. Death. The sin nature was born in that instant and mankind is the only blame for all that has transpired from that point. At that point Death was Hell and if not Jesus Christ that would be the only definition for it. The only thing ANYONE needs to do is accept Jesus Going to that place in our stead. If everyone did there would be no one in Hell. But the only thing we can do without doing anything is make a choice. God is not to blame for any death. He, in His mercy created an alternative and man is the only one to blame for his end.
8. There are no contradictions in the Bible. I used to have 6. Then God took me to His next level of understanding and they all went away. That next level changed the whole New Testament. There is always an explanation. Satan will always try instill doubt but if things are looked at with an oprn mind there is always an explanation. He is crafty and it doesn't take much because we have The Sin Nature and it operates The Law of the Sin Nature and it is part of The Flesh.
Christianity is not on "shaky ground" God wins in the end. Read my blog on validation of the Bible and break down Romans 7 and 8 to see how you react to The Law. If you understand that it makes the rest of the Bible understandable. Man IS without excuse from whatever point you want to start from.