Shalamabobbi and I were having a discussion in
this thread on my refusal to accept the many scientific claims that the Bible is wrong because of scientific evidence. I referred to the Biblical instruction of "leaning not on our own understanding", mainly in the way science tries to reduce supernatural acts into something that must comply with current scientific knowledge. I also made this statement;
quote:
I have faith in what the 66 book Bible says, concerning the history it contains, and the guidelines it puts forth for living this life. A significant part of it concerns not always placing trust in the wisdom of humans. It gets the front seat, science gets the back seat. I have no faith in science, unless I see actual evidence, not just what is said by scientific organizations who may have political motives.
shalamabobbi writes:
If you don't mind, would you mind starting a thread in the faith and belief forum to elaborate on the merits of refusing to use our minds to think (leaning upon our own understanding) or why you believe it is something worthy of reward in the hereafter. From my recollection this doesn't sit well with the parable about the talents.
This is the proposal for the thread he asked for. In regard to the parable of the talents, there are actually two, one in the book of Matthew, and one in Luke. They are similar, but not identical, and were told by Jesus at different times for different reasons. The Matthew one was the only one that used the term "talent", and it's important to note that it meant something different from its meaning today. Talent in those days was a measurement of money, not talent as we use the word today.
But his point is noted, and to save time and space I don't feel it important to analyze all the writings and opinions on the above two areas of scripture, at least in this O/P. I agree with anyone who claims that God intends for us to apply ourselves, to do the best we can do, be the best we can be.
By "lean not on our own understanding", I don't think that means to stop short of attempts to learn all we can about the natural world. It means to stop short of using what we learn to put God (or God's word) to the test. To acknowledge that there are some things that humans will never be able to figure out, to the extent to be able to challenge anything the 66 book Bible says.
Faith and belief forum, or "great debate" with shalamabobbi, his or moderators choice.
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