Comment on Jay Gallimore comments on evolution conflict by Ricky Kim.
Mr Smith & Folkman,
Regarding your defense of God in the topic of theodicy, allow me to explain my reasoning behind my distaste for your stances:
Issues:
1. We are automatically labeled as “sinners” from the day we are born due to the actions of Adam and Eve. To understand how ludicrous this idea is, let me give you an illustration. Your parents are North Koreans who conspired against… the established government. They were duly captured, and as punishment the government decides to cut off their hands and legs, and also decides to carry out this mutilating sentence to their future offspring’s. The concept of free will or choice, which is so cherished by Christians, is in no way present within this situation. For the offspring’s are not judged based upon their own merit, but rather their parents. Thus they literally become scapegoats, punished for actions in which they themselves did not commit, which is not only unjust but also ridiculous. And to expand upon this idiocy, they are required to confide and seek redemption in the man called Christ for the condition in which they have been forcefully placed. To do otherwise will mean to condemn oneself to everlasting torment. Utterly ridiculous.
2. Now. If you can make the claim/rebuttal to the latter by saying that “although the children may have been born into an unfair situation that they did not ask for, but still have the free will to choose Christ.” Let me answer you by saying this. In this world, one’s belief structure is strongly reinforced and influenced by the geographic region and time period in which they are born into. For example, if you lived in ancient Greece you would worship Zeus or Poseidon, If you were born in the Middle East you would believe in Mohammed, if you were born in China you would confide in the teachings of Buddha or Confucius, etc… In this arena of diverging thoughts and perspectives. How can one find truth? If we are to argue that truth is the Christian message of having faith in Christ? Honestly, if you were a Christian and some Buddhist came up to you waving his little Buddhist bible asking you to convert to the “truth”. What is more likely? That you would accept it? Or dismiss it as false? If we are to take the position that Buddhism is indeed the truth? You would dismiss of course, because you believe that the Christian bible is the truth. Thus even in this scenario the population of the world is placed in an unfair situation.
3. If we claim that God is all-powerful, knowing, and loving then why did God create the universe? Particularly the planet called earth? If He knew that by creating the world he will essentially damn men to suffer and die? If you were a parent, and knew that by conceiving you will place your children in a cycle of pain and unspeakable suffering. Why would you do it? Unless you were to say that he did not know (in which case why call him God?) or that he limited his knowledge (in which case he is being extremely unethical and sadistic at best).
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Ricky Kim Also Commented
Jay Gallimore comments on evolution conflict
Well gentlemen,
This certainly has been an interesting dialogue,
and I must thank each of you for allowing me to play the devil’s advocate.
And leaving notes upon my various comments. Very enjoyable indeed. However, a quick injection I wish to make.
Enuma Elish or the babylonian creation myth seems to share similarities with the Genesis account. Considering that its creation myth is older. I wanted to ask what are we to make of this? Did God inspire the Babylonians with some truths? And if so, can we consider that all religions lead to one God? And if not, how seriously are we to take the narrative of Genesis. Which also has 2 perspectives of creation. Verse 1 & 2?
Jay Gallimore comments on evolution conflict
“We can easily agree with Ricky that once you toss the Bible out the window – belief in evolutionism (no matter how irrational and unscientific it is) is just about all that is left.”
Mr. Bob,
I don’t know how you can dismiss evolution as being irrational and unscientific-I mean religion teaches that a talking snake existed, alongside a burning bush, and men rising from the dead.
To say the Jesus rose from the dead, or preformed the various miracles that is told has happened based on scripture suggest that the natural order of things, of how the earth operates and still continues to operate till this very day has been suspended and has leaned on your favor. Tell me, what is more likely? that the natural order of things has indeed been suspended, or everything that is “miraculous” is not very miraculous at all?
But this again, will fall into conflict do to how we see the Bible.
Jay Gallimore comments on evolution conflict
Mr. Stone,
I don’t understand your usage of the terms “liberal” and “fundamentalist”.
Believe me, if you followed everything the Bible says-you would be out stoning the homosexuals, killing the witches, etc…
Everyone pick and chooses passages from the Bible.
You can’t be 100% objective about it, because the moment you read it you already are interperting it in your own unique way.
