Why are things like evolution, creation, biblical literalism, genealogy, ect... even important to christians? Don't they just distract from the the main point of Christianity?
Defense of the christian faith is really I all can think of as a reason for studying for any of these things, am I missing something?
Why is it important?
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Murray
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Why is it important?
in nomine patri et fili spiritu sancte
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Gman
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Re: Why is it important?
Creationism and how it is taught in schools is a huge stumbling block for many.. Many people see that science somehow degrades the Bible. That is why this website and others were created...Murray wrote:Why are things like evolution, creation, biblical literalism, genealogy, ect... even important to christians? Don't they just distract from the the main point of Christianity?
Defense of the christian faith is really I all can think of as a reason for studying for any of these things, am I missing something?
The heart cannot rejoice in what the mind rejects as false - Galileo
We learn from history that we do not learn from history - Georg Friedrich Wilhelm Hegel
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. -Philippians 4:8
We learn from history that we do not learn from history - Georg Friedrich Wilhelm Hegel
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. -Philippians 4:8
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Murray
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Re: Why is it important?
Let's put it this way, I'm pretty much alone within my niche of christian friends in believing these topics are important, at all, whatsoever. Some even believe the bible could be symbolic except for jesus or something like that. I'm not downplaying the significance of Christ at all, but for some reason embedded in my thick head is the notion that these topics do have significance and should matter, not as much as the sacrifice as Christ (which I try to make clear), but I believe they do play a semi-important part in the christian religion. When I tried to bring up genealogy as a topic one time with my highly debatable friend he pointed me to 1 timothy 1:4 and said this verse confirmed that Christ is all that matters (which is true is a sense) and that we should not concern ourselves with other aspects of the bible and it's accuracy. And you guys knowing me, know I love to debate and fight endlessly so we have full out debates probably 3 times a day on different biblical subjects. Mostly about if we should care about them or not.
in nomine patri et fili spiritu sancte
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Ivellious
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Re: Why is it important?
I think lots of Christians take certain things to mean more than they do, or make things seem more important than they really are. Like you said, some people deal with evolution and gay marriage like they are somehow the most important things that a 21st century Christian needs to know. Clearly that is stupid and ignorant and just wrong, but it's what the media picks up on and an easy issue to use as a platform for a faith.
On the contrary, militant anti-Christians do the same thing, pointing out things about Christianity or using evolution and gays as reasons to undermine Christianity. That's wrong too. Particularly the fact that those should not be the main points to talk about in a discussion of Christianity (not that they should be neglected, but they aren't the core of the theology).
On the contrary, militant anti-Christians do the same thing, pointing out things about Christianity or using evolution and gays as reasons to undermine Christianity. That's wrong too. Particularly the fact that those should not be the main points to talk about in a discussion of Christianity (not that they should be neglected, but they aren't the core of the theology).
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Danieltwotwenty
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Re: Why is it important?
I have run into people in my church who are anti apologetics, they say that God doesn't need someone to defend him etc...
I just told them that without God working through the people here at G&S, I may never have come to know Christ, without the knowledge to have a rational belief in God my soul may have been lost forever.
While I agree that God doesn't need defending, that doesn't mean we should just throw everything out because that would mean there would be no evangelism etc.. either which is contradictory to what the Bible tells us to do.
I believe God works through all things, be it the Bible, science, evangelism etc. etc. etc.
Dan
I just told them that without God working through the people here at G&S, I may never have come to know Christ, without the knowledge to have a rational belief in God my soul may have been lost forever.
While I agree that God doesn't need defending, that doesn't mean we should just throw everything out because that would mean there would be no evangelism etc.. either which is contradictory to what the Bible tells us to do.
I believe God works through all things, be it the Bible, science, evangelism etc. etc. etc.
Dan
1Tim1:15-17
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.Amen.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.Amen.
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PaulSacramento
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Re: Why is it important?
God certainly doesn't need defending BUT once one decides to "preach about God" then the views being preached need to be and must be defended.
Christ himself defended His views, as did all the apostles after Him and all those after the apostles.
Theology is a fascinating subject, truly, and when we study it we see that none of these arguments are new ( most are actually really old) and we see that there is a rich tapestry of views and opinions handed down over the centuries.
Christ himself defended His views, as did all the apostles after Him and all those after the apostles.
Theology is a fascinating subject, truly, and when we study it we see that none of these arguments are new ( most are actually really old) and we see that there is a rich tapestry of views and opinions handed down over the centuries.