The Bible vs. Reality

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   EncephaloiDeadposted 9 years ago

   We can see on these forums many believers constantly want us to present all kinds of information, knowledge, evidence and facts on a wide variety of subjects including, biology, cosmology, astronomy, physics and a whole array of other disciplines concerning the understanding of the world around us and ourselves.
   
   For us, the expectation is that we are to be educated in all aspects of these disciplines in order to talk about reality and how it affects us. In many cases, such as evolution, the expectation is that we are supposed to not only provide facts and evidence, but also to teach those who would deny it simply because they have no understanding of it.
   
   Our work is laid out in front of us and it certainly can be overwhelming.
   
   The believer, on the other hand, only needs to copy and paste any given verse from the Bible they decide to interpret to make their point. We see the result of this as the formation of tens of thousands of denominations of Christianity due to the fact Christians interpret those verses in many ways, often themselves incapable of agreeing with one another.
   
   The point is that they need not think or try to understand anything beyond that one single book, yet they demand we present mountains of proof from a myriad of scientific disciplines, and then bleat out one victory after another because they themselves failed to understand what is being presented to them.

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      Kathryn L Hillposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      ...especially when you consider the Bible was written before science and the discoveries of scientists and researchers, (such as paleontologists,) were even understood to the extent that they are today!!!

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         EncephaloiDeadposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Exactly, myths and superstitions came before facts, evidence and understanding of the world around us.

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      Motown2Chitownposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I think the part of this that puzzles me is the believer for whom any and every question can be answered by their scripture. There is something to consider here, in my opinion. Science, as it has evolved (pardon the pun) over the centuries has become a discipline entirely of its own. It addresses the material world around us, and does a damn good job of it. I wouldn't look to the Bible for instructions on the process of reverse osmosis for water purification. But I will look to it for instruction and inspiration in my spiritual life. I wouldn't look to science for those things-for a couple reasons-scientific endeavor generally operates from the position that there is no spiritual realm. That's fair to me. I know where to address which questions.
      
      I think there is a certain type of believer who simply does not grasp the concept that not everyone believes. They begin every line of enquiry from the position that God exists and controls all. There is absolutely no objectivity and no allowing for the fact that two entirely different minds are exploring entirely different things. For me, science just doesn't DISprove God, any more than my belief in God's sovereignty negates the truth of science.
      
      Wow. Sorry for the long winded, stream of consciousness post. That's just some of how I look at it.

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         EncephaloiDeadposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         That answer is the reason why you're so respected, you offer good, honest answers.
         
         The problem lies when believers simply deny science in favor of telling us reality is indeed their own personal spiritual realms.

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            Motown2Chitownposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            True. Think about this...Christians talk about their "personal" relationship with God. Well, in our human to human relationships, every one is different. Yet, they expect everyone to mimic their relationship perfectly, and condemn those who say theirs might be different.
            
            Reality is objective. Perception is not. But everything about our relationship to God is based on our perception, and to try to impose that on anyone as objective reality is unfair and entirely dishonest.
            
            IMO, of course.

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               EncephaloiDeadposted 9 years agoin reply to this

               Exactly, and much to my frustration and tongue biting, I've witnessed good, honest folk like yourself who have been the target of such Christians.
               
               
               
               Great, thanks again for an honest answer.

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                  Motown2Chitownposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  It can be frustrating, that's for sure. But we all grow from it, believe it or not. One fellow Christian here I've been around the block with a trillion times, sometimes to the point of refraining from interaction with her altogether. But, even the two of us have been able to put aside some differences in favor of the common ground of really caring about people. I think that's what it takes. If you're a misanthrope before you become a Christian, that doesn't immediately go away, sadly.
                  
                  

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      Rad Manposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      My personal favourite…
      
      "My religion came before science therefor it's right"
      
      "Hinduism came before your religion so does that make Hinduism right"?
      
      "No it didn't"

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