This might make me a bad Christian, but it seems better logic than the alternative, and I have a feeling that God's a fan on logic. When I'm researching something controversial, particularily in science or philosophy, I don't look for evidence to back up a biblical worldview. That sounds bad, but here's the thing, I'm not living my life to prove my beliefs to be true, I'm living to find truth and act on that truth.
Up to this point, I've found a living, loving God who created us, saved us, and continues to intervene in our lives to be true, so that's what I'm acting in. But, while I in no way expect this to happen, if I one day find enough evindence to the contrary, real evidence, not just emotions and bad science, I will go with that. Honestly, if Christianity is all a lie, I'm really not interested. It's not that I'm walking in doubt; I'm just unwilling to make assumptions in such a vital piece of my life. If I go into my studies assuming the bible to be true and only read books that agree with that, I'm practicing some pretty bad science.
Now, I do sometimes walk into internal debates where I build arguments on the presupposition of a living God, but only when I'm confident that the evidence is showing it to be true. God says that He has made Himslef known through His creation, and I continually witness this. That's why I can be so confident in a search for true Truth without acting in bad science.
Ok, here we go. It seems what you're saying is good and all, but I have a few critical concerns. Starting with: "If I go into my studies assuming the bible to be true and only read books that agree with that, I'm practicing some pretty bad science." Okay, The Bible is not a chemistry text. Now does it give a geological breakdown of the flood? No. Does the Biblical story of the flood hold absolute authority? Yes!
ReplyDeleteand "Now, I do sometimes walk into internal debates where I build arguments on the presupposition of a living God, but only when I'm confident that the evidence is showing it to be true." I prefer living knowing that The Word of God IS true. We can be PERFECTLY confident knowing that God is true in fact, he is the very definition of truth (Jn. 14:6.
If you are holding internal debates on the truthfulness of God's word, you are heading into very dangerous water. When you live as though there may be some doubt that God is true you will find Satan wiggling his way into that exact spot, set up shop, and establish himself in other areas of your life.
Yes the scientific method is important, but the recorded word of God is of greater importance. So much of what is sold as 'truth' is a baseless, and debasing, lie.
I live by Matt 6:33; "But seek ye first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you."
Seek God's truth in all things, and you will get truth.
If you have any questions, I would love to talk about this with you further. ;)
Looks like you put a lot of time and thought into your comment, Mark! If you get to know Robyn a bit, you will certainly know that she stands in a very safe place with her walk with God. The awesome thing about God is that His truths stand, even when one has a passion for science ;0)
DeleteHey Mark.
DeleteIt seems that I have this bothersome habit when I'm writing of not taking into account the fact that not everyone knows my story or everything that's going on in my head! I think I've come across as more doubtful than I really am. In response to your first comments about the Bible being final authority, I agree, but I'm very unwilling to say that just because it's what I've been told. I've done my research, and, yes, the Bible makes the most sense, so I trust it. I do, however, still stand by what I said about not just reading Science, Philosophy, or History books written be Christians. People are biased, even (dare I say especially) Christians, and it shows in their work.
Next point: I do believe the Bible is true, and I am extremely confident in that. In fact, that confidence is why I'm willing to search for truth without closing the doors to everything outside of the church. Also, the internal debates that I'm referring to are a bit more complicated than "is the Bible true." I'm talking more about the old Earth vs. young Earth debate, and whether or not both Evolution and the Bible can be true.
And, "So much of what is sold as 'truth' is a baseless, and debasing, lie." That's exactly what I'm working to avoid by using this system of logic. I'm extremely slow to accept what people say as true, and I'm very careful to not get caught up in all the garbage out there that's, simply put, a series of lies. I also never do any of this alone. I spend time in prayer before, during, and after my studies, and I have a science mentor as well as two amazing youth pastors and a great set of parents who I'm constantly bringing my questions to.
Finally, I completely agree with your final statement, yet I would go one step further and say "Seek truth in all things, and you will get God's truth."
Seriously, if you're up for talking about this more, let's chat in person :)
I'm squeamish, but I agree completely that we need to grapple (and I mean grapple as in Genesis 32:22-32 grappling) with truth.
ReplyDeleteI do not doubt your Christian walk, not in the least. Also, I'm super glad you are bringing your questions to others whom you respect and trust, that's so vital.
Well done. I'm surprised it didn't send me a notification that you had responded.
Thanks Mark.
DeleteYah, it's weird that you didn't get a notification. I had just assumed you would which is why I dind't say anything on fb.