Does God exist and did he create us?
I can either believe that we were created by God or we were not. If not that would mean that I would have to believe that a single-cell organism came into existence based on the elements present at the time. Then this single cell-organism somehow became increasingly complex and evolved over a long period of time into what we see today as humans, trees, bugs and animals. I find this difficult to believe because there are too many things that would have to be perfect for this to work. Here is a single example of an bug that shoots fire out of it’s butt for protection and how improbable or impossible it would be for this creature to be created by chance over a period of time:
There are many other examples but in the interest of being concise I have only included one. In conclusion it is easier for me to believe in is a God that I can’t see created the world and everything in it then it is to believe that it happened by chance.
What about Religion?
At this point I believe that there is a God and that he created us. From this point I have to decide which religion if any is true.
Some people will say that all religions are equal. That they are just different paths to God. I say that is logically impossible. If one religion says “I am [Jesus] the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except though me” that is either true or not. The only way all religions could be equal would be if they were all wrong. That can only be true if all religions were fabricated by man and not sent by God.
If all religions are man made then my interest in this subject is greatly reduced.
I think it is probable that one of them IS true because if God created us it is likely that he loves us and if He loves us then I think He would want to show those of us that want to seek and please Him how to go about doing that. You may disagree with this but I think it is more probable then not.
Why Christianity?
Okay so at this point I believe that God created us and that a single religion is true. Now I need to decide which religion is true.
This question is difficult to cover fully without going into great detail. So my answer is likely to be incomplete.
As I understand it all other religions require work for salvation. Christianity states: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one will boast.” (Eph. 2:8, 9, NIV).
For a more complete answer I suggest you watch “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel:
Whether you decide to watch the video or not I suggest you research this subject as it is of the highest importance.
July 17th, 2009 at 6:33 am
Sorry about that. I just fixed it. I don’t know what happened there.
July 17th, 2009 at 6:56 am
Sorry but I did not find that article convincing and that pointing out a beetle with a similar defense function does not demonstrate evolution.
Keep in mind that the Nintendo Wii had a designer too. I should mention that I do believe in micro-evolution. Natural selection and change within a species makes total sense but I don’t believe cats and dogs came from the same animal back in the day.
I also think it makes sense for different animals to have similar functions like a DVD player if they were all designed by the same manufacturer.
I understand what the mousetrap video is saying. Watch the video above as it makes points beyond that.
Thanks for pointing out the misspelling and broken video.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:03 am
Those are some cool looking plants.
It has become apparent to me that you love to read.
“Over time, the plants added elaborate structures and weapons such as trigger hairs and teeth to trap and immobilise their meaty prey, botanists say.” – how is this claim substantiated?
Here is a site I found that you might find interesting: http://www.darwinismrefuted.com/origin_of_species_02.html
October 5th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
I’m not sure, since the article doesn’t have any references, and I don’t have access to any plant science databases.
I did find an abstract from the American Journal of Botany regarding a suggestion that the snap-trap probably evolved from sundews (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drosera).
The authors of the link you sent seem to accept microevolution (changes within species) but reject macroevolution (evolution of different species). However, there is no debate among scientists that macroevolution has taken place. In fact, macroevolution has been shown to be the compound effect of microevolution (i.e. many changes over a long period of time).
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/macroevolution.html
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/comdesc/
October 11th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Here’s an interview with Richard Feynman (the renowned physicist) you may find interesting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeCHiUe1et0
October 11th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Interesting guy. I am assuming you take the same approach as him.
Did you watch the video “The Case for Christ” in this original post? What did you think of that?
I believe that most people often believe what they want to believe. Even when they are faced with evidence that points towards the existence of God or the Bible’s reliability.
I know this is in the context of talking to the Jews but I think it still applies to everyone: “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” – Deuteronomy 4:29
October 20th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
I have to admit I did not watch the video. It is feature-length, so it’s hard to watch on a computer. Hopefully I will get around to it.
I think that you are right regarding that “people often believe what they want to believe.” I think a lot of people seek Christ for comfort and for the support of the congregation. Likewise, I think a lot of people deny Christ out of immature rebellion and events in their life they think should have been prevented by Him.
Obviously, most think that others should believe whatever we believe. Personally, I’d be happy if everybody just believed in whatever brought the most joy to their lives without harm to others.
November 1st, 2009 at 3:47 am
Dave, you have impressed me very much. I am interested to know if you have aligned yourself with a certain faith or are still searching for the one? I believe this very strongly and have a list according to the Bible what the Church of God as was given to Adam, should contain. I would like to give you all of these referenced but here is what I have found and if you are interested I would love to get the references for you.
Authority given by God to work in his name (i.e. preach)
November 1st, 2009 at 3:57 am
baptism by immersion
sealing, washing and anointing ordinances
Prophets
holy dwelling places where God can commune with his disciples
November 9th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Really? All other religions require work for salvation? I find that very hard to believe. So, I’ll pick one: what about Taoism?
Also what about Romans 10:9-13? Doesn’t that state that you need to pray in order to be saved? Is that not work?
@Kate Church of God, eh? You guys speak in tongues, right?
November 12th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
“Really? All other religions require work for salvation? I find that very hard to believe. So, I’ll pick one: what about Taoism?”
Ok perhaps I should have said major religions. I guess I believe it is not very likely for one of the minor ones to be true because if it was then the God that created us didn’t do a very good job at promoting the truth.
“Also what about Romans 10:9-13? Doesn’t that state that you need to pray in order to be saved? Is that not work?”
I don’t consider that work. I was trying to convey the idea of works or deeds.