Quote:
Originally Posted by one_young_man
But that is precisely my point. The internet is an invented concept not defined in the Bible. But we do not fear the internet.
What difference is that from gravity? Of course we could argue that God invented the internet to spread his word, but then why can't we argue that God invented gravity to keep his children grounded?
It seems we continue to redefine what is and isn't Scripture to fit our needs (or in some cases comfort levels) every time a new discovery occurs. But we shouldn't find the need to continually defend our religion against science - God invented science.
There is no mention of Capitalism in the Bible - this too is a modern concept. But God has provided us with the power of reason. The ability to analyze the economic systems that have preceded us and create something better. And I don't think most Americans Christians would consider Capitalism evil - though it's certainly imperfect.
My point is that we continue to feel threatened by new discoveries because we fear that in some way they're either sent from the Devil or are attempting to disprove the existence of God. Meanwhile God invented everything that has been discovered and everything that has yet to be discovered by man. We should not fear, but embrace the excitement and potential wonder of all the discoveries yet to come, which He has ultimately provided.
Concepts like the internet, gravity, economy and science are not inherently evil, nor do they inherently disprove God's existence. Atheists will use them however they wish to support their beliefs, just as many fearing Christians will refute them to protect theirs. In either case these concepts still come from God.
Finally, we must be very careful with how we define what's the right belief. How can there exist right and wrong in the eyes of faith. We must respect our differing beliefs and their colorful, multifarious nature. We cannot say the Atheist is wrong - his/her faith dictates to them that there is no God. We cannot say the Muslim is wrong - his/her faith dictates to them that Allah send them the prophet Muhammad. Just as they can never say that the Christian is mistaken - for our faith dictates that God appeared to us in the flesh, as Jesus Christ, and who's death and resurrection provided our salvation.
Faith can never be truly right nor truly wrong. There is no guarantee in, or absolute notion of, any one belief system. If there were, there would be no reason for multiple religions - for why would there be if we had irrefutable proof that one was truly right? We can only believe it to be true.
God exists in our hearts. He is a matter of personal expression and individual love. And how can anyone refute that?
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There is no mention of Coca Cola® in the Bible, either. Nor cheeseburgers.
God doesn't exist in your heart. He ACTUALLY exists, just as real as the very fires of
hell.
You are making a typical false Christian mistake. You want to make claims based on what YOU can understand from God's Holy Word. The trouble is, you don't understand the Holy Word. Because your father is satan.
Quote:
John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
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Here is a partial list from just a few scripture verses:
Hypocrites (Matthew 24:51), The Unforgiving (Mark 11:26), Homosexuals (Romans 1:26, 27), Fornicators (Romans 1:29), The Wicked (Romans 1:29), The Covetous (Romans 1:29), The Malicious (Romans 1:29), The Envious (Romans 1:29), Murderers (Romans 1:29), The Deceitful (Romans 1:29), Backbiters (Romans 1:30), Haters of God (Romans 1:30), The Despiteful (Romans 1:30), The Proud (Romans 1:30), Boasters (Romans 1:30), Inventors of evil (Romans 1:30), Disobedient to parents (Romans 1:30), Covenant breakers (Romans 1:31), The Unmerciful (Romans 1:31), The Implacable (Romans 1:31), The Unrighteous (1Corinthians 6:9), Idolaters (1Corinthians 6:9), Adulterers (1Corinthians 6:9), The Effeminate (1Corinthians 6:9), Thieves (1Corinthians 6:10), Drunkards (1Corinthians 6:10), Reviler (1Corinthians 6:10), Extortioners (1Corinthians 6:10), The Fearful (Revelation 21:8), The Unbelieving (Revelation 21:8), The Abominable (Revelation 21:8), Whoremongers (Revelation 21:8), Sorcerers (Revelation 21:8), All Liars (Revelation 21:8)