Why This Belief?

I'm just suggesting as food for thought that if what is happening at the micro level were to happen at the macro level an argument could be made that a miracle had occurred. From that point of view we could also say that just because there is no natural explanation for the resurrection that doesn't qualify it as a miracle either.I just think that the discoveries of science have made the miraculous seem less miraculous some how. Good question and I wish I could come up with a really good answer. In reference to my sojourn on the deserted island; I think I would accept the Bible message. It sees to me that after reading all of those religious books the next logical step would be to pray. There wouldn't be much as else left as I wouldn't have any neighbours to love. I believe that when we pray for guidance on things like that we do get a response, not in an audible voice, but through thoughts in our head that didn't exist previously.I can't really say what conclusion I would come to as to what should and what shouldn't be taken literally, but it is the message and what you do about the message that is important.

We are getting closer. I'm not saying that ID is science but I think that some day science might hit upon the point at which the natural interacts with the supernatural.I don't have the knowledge to make my own judgements on the truth of the evolutionary process. I have however come to the conclusion that it is most likely true as the majority of those who do understand it,(like yourself I imagine) accept it as the best model we have. As a Theist however I have to believe that either there was Intelligent Design that set it off with everything necessary for its development in place, or that the designer periodically tweaks the process to achieve a particular outcome. I belong to the latter school of thought.This is taking a lot of time. I gotta get a life.

Couldn't agree more, except that from what I understand Benny Hinn's influence is greater in the west than it is overseas. AMEN!!

I know what you mean. To be honest I'm not really comfortable with the term. I should probably use physical and metaphysical.

I'm not a scientist so I have to deal with things on a basic and conceptual level.Particle science talks about particles disappearing and reappearing, being annihilated and created etc, and to deal with this they talk about other dimensions.Are those other dimensions the metaphysical? I don't know, but it seems to me that particle behaviour and other dimensions go beyond natural law.It is just possible that we have wandered off topic here. This message has been edited by GDR, 06-04-2005 06:52 PM

I've seen those numbers but when it comes down to what people actually believe just look at how religion plays out in the politics of this country.
Admitting that you attend church is the equivalent of political suicide.
I will admit though that I shouldn't have used the term secular humanist in that context, but there is a large segment of the population who are biased against people of faith.
Sometimes though when I see the Benny Hinn's of this world being allowed to represent Christianity I can't say that I blame them.

Why is Stephen Harper scary. I don't even know if he goes to church or not but it is the perception that he is Christian that causes him to be tagged as "scary".Recent newspaper reports talked about the fact that there were a dozen or so Christian candidates for the Conservative party, with the obvious inference that one shouldn't support them because they are obviously wacko because of their religious beliefs.I agree that the church shouldn't be mixed up with politics but religious adherents of any faith should be able to run without the ridicule that Conservative Christians face, not necessarily locally but on the national level.Edited to point out that this is right off topic and it's probably my fault that it is and I apologise.This message has been edited by GDR, 06-06-2005 06:57 PM