| Science & Philosophy Is science our new world religion? What is science uncovering about our world and how is this impacting society? Arguments about the fundamental nature of reality. |
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12-07-2006, 09:45 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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|  Leibniz- the necessity of God
Hello all. I am a Christian, and also accept the evolution and big bang concept of origin. These theories do not contradict my understanding of the Bible and its authority as it pertains to Who God is; What He did, does, will do; and what the state of affairs is regarding man, sin, and salvation.
Is anyone else familiar with the problem/solution presented by G. Leibniz regarding existence and origin? I have not seen either an agnostic or atheist deal squarely with this.
"Why does something, rather than nothing, exist?" His Answer Leibniz | 
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12-09-2006, 09:21 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Well, couldn't you say that God had a hand in guiding the big bang and evolution? Nobody said that evolution was completely unguided? Despite not being religious myself, I see how things like evolution could fit into some religious doctrines. But maybe that's just me  | |
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12-10-2006, 11:45 AM
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#3 (permalink)
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Rennis! Hi! Welcome!
I also beleive in the idea of intelligent design through evolution.
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12-10-2006, 04:39 PM
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Yes, i do beleive God could have "used," guided, allowed, or "invited" a natural process such as evolution, or Continental drift, or Cosmic condensation to form galaxies, etc...
What I think Leibniz arguement does is offer a uniquely convincing arguement that ther MUST BE something that is completely pre-existant, and independant, that has given the urge for things to exist. While the arguements lead one to a theological conclusion, they are in themselves much more philosophical, his logic is fairly water-tight as i read it. Its only 6 or so normal sized pages so dont be scared to read it. :P | |
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12-10-2006, 06:32 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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greetings, =R3=
I'll read it when im not mucho tired-o
-T-
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12-19-2006, 05:19 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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Ah, So i gather you think the first "human" was an ape? What must God have been thinking when he gave Adam clothes! | |
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12-20-2006, 12:17 AM
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Actually most atheists don't think man evolved from apes. Atheists like to base their beliefs in as much fact as possible (correct me if I'm wrong atheists).
So to that end they believe in what they can see and feel. Hence obviously not human (and not mentioned in the bible) Neaderthal man.
So I guess the question should be... what must God have been thinking when he allowed man to discover remains of Neanderthal man and in effect completely invalidate everything written in the book of Genesis.
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12-23-2006, 11:03 PM
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Huh? Can you clarify what relevance that has to the topic?
Besides if i'm correct, didn't the neanderthals suffer from a disease? | |
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12-23-2006, 11:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by George  Actually most atheists don't think man evolved from apes. Atheists like to base their beliefs in as much fact as possible (correct me if I'm wrong atheists).
So to that end they believe in what they can see and feel. Hence obviously not human (and not mentioned in the bible) Neaderthal man.
So I guess the question should be... what must God have been thinking when he allowed man to discover remains of Neanderthal man and in effect completely invalidate everything written in the book of Genesis. | nobody has explained that this:
Does the existance of the Neanderthal man mean that we descended from it?
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12-24-2006, 01:12 AM
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Much of the Bible (including Genesis) is not really supposed be taken absolutely literally,as its a mix of metaphor,analogy,parables and eyewitness accounts all bundled in one package,and we have to sift it and compare and juggle things like a jigsaw to try to see a pattern or BIG PICTURE as best we can.
You know those "magic pictures" that look like jumbled wallpaper patterns that are supposed to spring into glorious 3D if we stare at them long enough? Some people can see the 3D image straight away,while others need time ,whereas some can never see the pic no matter how long they stare at it.
I've heard that the trick is NOT TO STARE TOO HARD,but to relax your eyes,which is a neat analogy for trying to "see" Christianity!
Likewise DON'T try to study and analyse every word and verse in the Bible,but try to take a more relaxed,DISTANCED overall view with child-like eyes.
YOU CANNOT UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE IF YOU VIEW IT THROUGH WORLDLY EYES!
Jesus said:- "I thank you Father for hiding these things from the wise and learned,and for revealing them to little children.." (Matt 11:25) | |
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