DutchGuy Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 The bible is sort of the first 'theory of life'. As time moves on more and more parts of that theory become outdated untill there's nothing left but the idea of a god, omnipotent and omniscient, caring and loving. Why do we keep believing in god, when the fundament of this belief, the bible, is gradually being discarded as plausible? you're thinking in a literal sense of the Bible, and not looking at it as a record of man's spiritual journey. Because to look at it otherwise is to believe that it has outgrown its plausibility. as for metaphor, the story of fishes and loaves comes to mind. In reality, you and I know that there's no way in hell that five little fish and several loaves of bread are going to feed the multitudes who have made day trips to hear and see Jesus. But we do know from practical experiences of potluck suppers, the dish that feeds four can feed a gathering of 20, of 35, of 60 when there's other food shared – the story of fishes and loaves is about the hospitality fostered by that gathering, when people opened up their hearts and were generous with what little they had, so much so that they had enough leftovers to fill the baskets. Because we know from our own experiences that you don't make a long journey without making sure you've got at least some munchies to take along! I really don't get you... Jesus should've been able to multiply food because he had superpowers, right? Why won't you believe the story was literal then? Do you think 'god' is a metaphor, and if not, why not? Why the selective rationality? Actually, babies come when the mother is good and ready. :D:D try telling that to those mamas who seem like their waiting forever for natural labor to kick in! I'm telling you, little ones are completely on a schedule of their own, even the ones who are planned C-sections and the doctor is waiting for the right moment they can safely deliver. Those women are waiting because their body 'fails' to give the signal for initiating labour. Link to post Share on other sites
quankanne Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 (edited) I really don't get you... Jesus should've been able to multiply food because he had superpowers, right? Why won't you believe the story was literal then? Do you think 'god' is a metaphor, and if not, why not? Why the selective rationality? God's not a metaphor, but that's my own personal belief based on my relationship with him – a metaphor could never make the kind of difference in the way God's made the difference in my life. A metaphor does not give me a sense of sure-ity in my existence ... sure Jesus could have waved his hands and everyone would have had enough food, but the only thing that would have happened was that everyone would be fed and the whole point of this exercise in hospitality would have been missed. Because in any type of gathering, hospitality is the goal – a smoothly run event in which people get along harmoniously. Sharing food with each other usually does the trick of breaking down barriers, so how much more of an impact does it make when the fellow next to you – who you don't know from boo – offers you a bit of what he's got because he feels so moved? He's willingly moving outside his circle of comfort to include you. THAT is what the miracle of the fishes and loaves is, people opening up and giving of themselves and what they have, even if it's only a bit of something. Same thing with people volunteering to ring bells for Salvation Army from the end of November through the end of the year: They're giving a bit of themselves for people they don't even know but who will be helped by SA's programs. They don't *have* to do it, but something in them is moved to do it. now, is the power found in the SA itself, or in the fact that people give of themselves wholeheartedly? And if you choose the latter, does that make Salvation Army a myth? There's a deeper meaning to just about every action people take, and you can't just look at face value and call it "truth" or "lie" ... because to do so is to cheat yourself of the greater meaning of that action, because you only choose to see just some of the full story. superpowers are great, but human heart is moved by simple acts, not necessarily great ones, and I'm pretty sure Jesus knew that. But because we're so literal-minded, we just want that incomplete set of "facts" as proof. Edited January 11, 2008 by quankanne Link to post Share on other sites
Love Hurts Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 Are you serious? Then find God... If He does exist .... you should be able to have a personal relationship with HIM... You dont need anyone to take you to HIM or speak to HIM for you. YOU FIND HIM AND YOU SPEAK TO HIM... IF THERE IS A GOD A JESUS YOU FIND HIM. GET PERSONAL... Link to post Share on other sites
directx Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 For me, in a nutshell, self-awareness is the biggest clue that there is a God. It's complicated for me to explain but I think I can off-line. Does that make sense to anyone else? I think about this A LOT. Link to post Share on other sites
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