ReptileMan27

[Timotei]

I agree but with a slight change: A faith (I prefer this word to religion, as religion simply means discipline) may be perfect (just as a system like communism may be perfect), but humans render it imperfect just by attempting to be associated with it. I think the differences in people also make it impossible to have any single faith.

I could never be an atheist, however, I cannot bring myself to believe that all this, this world, even the concept that a state of consciousness exists in which we are able to observe a logical pattern to the universe with natural laws which are consistent etc... i find it all mindboggling. Impossible without a God, in my opinion. It's interesting to see how many atheists (C.S. Lewis included) who became christians after their logic led them to no other conclusion other than that there is a God.

Futurama gave us a great quote:
"If you do things right, it will seem like you've done nothing at all."
Just because God isn't shouting in your face, doesn't mean he's not there, in fact, it makes it more likely that he is there, and so perfectly so, that he blends into creation, seamlessly.

[Snakes Incorporated]

I am a Christian myself and believe every word written and do not select what I perceive believable or not. I have the discernment to see a parable from true expression and have no support for evolution as species adapt and don’t evolve.

Science does not prove evolution any more than life came from a rock and rainwater. Science is a calculated proof that proves theory as fact. If this were true then the two cannot co-existing. I will not even mention my opinion regards a creator using evolution as that would degrade the creator. 

Going back to the women handling venomous animals bare handed. Stupid is what stupid does. 

[Timotei]

Well, i dont believe that the idea of God using evolution degrades the nature of a creator at all! In fact i think it makes it far more amazing! If u open ur mind up to evolution for a second, and see how absolutely incredible it is, u'll see that it lends itself to being the tool used by a god of some kind, it's just too amazingly balanced. I think we need to discern between the theory of evolution, and the theory of the world's creation via evolution, for u cannot argue that evolution occurs, as it is evident in selective breeding of dogs and things, but the debate is in whether the world was created by evolution.

I personally believe, that looking at the creation story and trying to still apply it literally today is senseless, as it was written in the time of Moses. As said, we do not know their cultural frame of reference! God revealed the creation of the world to Moses in a way that his people could understand at the time. It seems like people of today hav completely shut themselves off to the whole notion of God working in mysterious ways, wat if he is still revealing stuff to us today ? Because, HE IS. We cannot try and play pretend and live like Moses and his people because things are so different now. That is the primary problem with following a religion and not a God. We've lost focus! We should not hav to be saying to ourselves the religion is rite, the religion is beautiful, i will serve the religion well, rather place God in place of religion, because if we're not careful, we'll start to think of the church as an organisation and an institution rather than a body of people who love God.

I know exactly wat u mean about picking and choosing ur faith, but i believe it is the only way to exist in a faith, seeing as no-one fits the mould laid out. The early church itself was created by the apostles, and even they could not agree. Peter and Paul couldnt stand each other! In my opinion, people should never hav to change to suit their "religion", rather they should believe wat feels rite to them.

[Snakes Incorporated]

I will avoid getting drawn into this so this is my final say on this matter. I respect what ever you or Joe Blogs believe as long as it does not affect anyone adversely.
I personally do not believe in some theory that we are here because of ifs and maybes according to some evolutionary myth.
I do not for a second believe that all religions and `godly` beliefs are good as mankind’s present and history prove other wise.

To say that people must not adhere to what is written but rather make up there own minds is exactly why this world is in so much trouble today. The Bible does not teach politics but gives people a standard to live by so to be clean and undefiled. Because the scriptures were relayed to paper thousands of years ago certainly does not mean it is out of date. What is written is as applicable to man then as it is know.

To say you love God but practice what you want, because you prefer not to abide by the rules shows your commitment. That being said, I rest my case.   

[Timotei]

Well, i completely disagree, but no amount of arguing will change either of our views, so just agree to disagree.

[Snakes Incorporated]

Agreed

[Admin]

Sad case 

[Simon]

It's nice to see people that agree to disagree and dont take it further.  I have seen this on other forums where they would have taken this so far.

[Snakes Incorporated]

I ran a pub many years back and maintained three standing rules.
No discussions pertaining to Women, Religion and Politics.

[Timotei]

Lol, definitely 3 touchy touchy topics those!