Zone1 If God were real, you wouldn’t need a book

[ding]

God. That was my expectation. Where is he/she?

What is God?

 

[Crepitus]

You can do the same thing for creation.

I can see evolution in action. Haven't seen god do anything like that.

 

[SaxonJackson]

No, not really. I mean it's be similar if there were a dozen other folks claiming to have created the corvette engine but there aren't.

I mean if the Bible is the real history then what about Islam's Quran, Judaism's Tanakh and Talmud, Hinduism's Vedas and Bhagavad Gita, Buddhism’s Dhammapada, and the Sikh Guru Granth Sahib?

There are many who would love to take credit for building the Corvette engine but only one can claim the title, "Corvette Engine Creator."

 

[ding]

I can see evolution in action. Haven't seen god do anything like that.

God did do that. What else can you learn? It's literally no different than what you were discussing earlier.

 

[Meriweather]

God. That was my expectation. Where is he/she?

Again, where have you looked and what are your expectations?

 

[Crepitus]

There are many who would love to take credit for building the Corvette engine but only one can claim the title, "Corvette Engine Creator."

And we know which one it was because.....?

 

[Crepitus]

God did do that. What else can you learn? It's literally no different than what you were discussing earlier.

Feel free to prove that god did that. Most creationists would disagree with you, you know.

 

[Crepitus]

Again, where have you looked and what are your expectations?

Everywhere you could think of to check for anyone. Closest I got was this homeless guy who claimed to be his forgotten brother.

 

[ding]

Feel free to prove that god did that. Most creationists would disagree with you, you know.

I'm not a creationist and their view is a minority view. What I can tell you is that the universe popped into existence, not be created from existing matter being programmed to produce intelligence through the laws of nature which existed before space and time itself.

 

[BothWings]

I have no doubt on the sincerity of all who read The Book of Revelation literally. It is a well known example of apocalyptic literature. The etymology and roots of the word 'apocalyptic' means 'Revelation', hence the title. However, the word used evolved to mean world-wide physical catastrophe, which is why many believe Revelation should be taken literally. We should bear in mind that the original usage of word in Biblical times was not physical catastrophes, but spiritual revelation. Dreams, visions, magnifying epics of the past--and imagery--were used to present and emphasize that spiritual revelation. That is why, in his Revelation, John used well-known stories and events.

My tendency is to go back to the language, etymology, and Biblical culture of that time to determine the original author's intent for his original audience during that time period. As you said, none of the physical catastrophic events happened during those Biblical times, which sends us back to original meanings and intents. For those of us who believe the books of the Bible are spirit breathed, it cannot be discounted that while the Book of Revelation (using a word that back then meant spiritual revelation), was imparting spiritual wisdom, this Spirit-breathed book could also be meant to alert future generations, not only of spiritual wisdom, but of future catastrophic physical disasters.

The "original audience" may have been any people who would or will stand to inherit the fallout from a disintegrating empire built on divine inspirations and aspirations. Empires and great civilizations have algorithmically predictable life cycles. Their risings and fallings are predictable to an intelligent and educated observer, or to the geniuses of that's the"original audience". This type of pattern repeats itself, often with uncanny synonymity and parallel dynamics, up to and including the human characters who arise and participate and be catalysts in the process. Hitler and Jesus are equally predictable counterparts. Antichrists,sacrificial lambs, traitors, martyrs, messiahs, saints, agents provocateurs, messengers of truth, evil, life, death.... This is how we can watch a soap opera or a drama of sorts, and the plot and outcome are predictable. We know we need "this or that" to finish the story. The pattern of civilization's rise and fall is rife with these essential ingredients. And we romanticize this in our literature, and add wild accounts of superstition and mythology to accentuate the truth.

 

[ding]

The "original audience" may have been any people who would or will stand to inherit the fallout from a disintegrating empire built on divine inspirations and aspirations. Empires and great civilizations have algorithmically predictable life cycles. Their risings and fallings are predictable to an intelligent and educated observer, or to the geniuses of that's the"original audience". This type of pattern repeats itself, often with uncanny synonymity and parallel dynamics, up to and including the human characters who arise and participate and be catalysts in the process. Hitler and Jesus are equally predictable counterparts. Antichrists,sacrificial lambs, traitors, martyrs, messiahs, saints, agents provocateurs, messengers of truth, evil, life, death.... This is how we can watch a soap opera or a drama of sorts, and the plot and outcome are predictable. We know we need "this or that" to finish the story. The pattern of civilization's rise and fall is rife with these essential ingredients. And we romanticize this in our literature, and add wild accounts of superstition and mythology to accentuate the truth.

Or we are hardwired to worship something and the only choice in the matter is what we choose to worship; the created or the creator.

 

[Crepitus]

I'm not a creationist and their view is a minority view. What I can tell you is that the universe popped into existence, not be created from existing matter being programmed to produce intelligence through the laws of nature which existed before space and time itself.

I find your blind faith discouraging.

 

[ding]

I find your blind faith discouraging.

It's you who has the blind faith. I've walked both paths. You can't say the same.

My turn. I find your anti-intellectual arguments boring and a bit like playing checkers instead of chess.

 

[Meriweather]

Everywhere you could think of to check for anyone. Closest I got was this homeless guy who claimed to be his forgotten brother.

Right. So you were never serious about this quest.

 

[Crepitus]

Right. So you were never serious about this quest.

Supposed to be "omnipresent", Yeah?

That means existing everywhere all at once, just in case you didn't know.

Shouldn't be that hard to find, right?

 

[BreezeWood]

Right. So you were never serious about this quest.

what quest, your deceiving yourself will prove your true intent when the heavens are revealed same as for the time of noah - the crucifiers day of judgment will be upon them were they not able to be rendered by humanity beforehand.