Hi Paul:
PHSEELY@aol.com wrote:
> Glenn wrote:
>
> << Does anyone have any fact that is verifiable about Christianity which makes
> a difference to the central issue of God invading history?
>
> Only by an affirmative, can we totally escape the issue of faith based upon
> faith.
> >>
>
> The underlying question is important; and I was trying to think of how I
> would answer it. I tried to think if proving that the Flood occured would
> answer the question; and concluded it would only be of tangential value
> because even if the Flood were proven by say finding the ark with a tablet
> inside with Noah's name on it as well as sedimentary remains of the Flood in
> all the right places at the right time, that would still leave as possible
> contenders as the true religion: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Bahai,
> Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses.
>
> I conclude, therefore, that appeal to the New Testament record of the words
> and deeds of Jesus and especially the resurrection would go further in the
> right direction. This need not include any claim that the historical record
> per se is a revelation from God; but, only that it is a historical document,
> like the writings of Livy or Suetonius, and just as much entitled to respect
> as such as they are--- if not more because of their close proximity in time
> to eye-witnesses of the life and teachings of Jesus. Such an appeal to
> historical documents along with those archaeological finds such as the
> inscription with Pilate's name which lend authenticity to the accounts
> escapes the charge that one is basing faith in Christ on faith alone. The
> historical documents of the NT are _objective_ evidences of the real
> historical existence, life and teachings of Jesus; so Christianity is not
> depending on subjective experiences alone. It is not a faith based on faith
> alone.
>
> Paul
But Paul, as George M. points out in another (patient) response to Glenn, while
reason and evidence play important roles in our religion, a "leap of faith" at
some point is required. Historical accuracy as to the person of Christ does not
necessitate a belief in his Divinity. Is it not so that "without faith it is
impossible to please God?"
Our faith is distingueshed from other faiths not by its varifyibility - but by it
being a gift of personal revelation by God to us NOW. "Blessed" are we who
believe that Jesus is the Christ, for flesh and blood have not revealed this to
us; but Jesus' Father who is in heaven!
n'est pas?
George A.
-- George A. Andrews Jr. Physics/Applied Science College of William & Mary P.O. Box 8795 Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
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