On Wed, 23 May 2001 23:04:47 -0500 Lucy Masters
<masters@cox-internet.com> writes:
> I am strongly opposed to the "design movement," "intelligent design,"
> and so on for many reasons, but chief among them: (a) it involves no
> faith but looks for proof instead (I believe faith precludes proof - I
> mean - who needs faith if you have proof?)
Let's flip that around. If God offers proof of His existence, would that
force faith? Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead; what was the reaction
of the chief priests? "So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus
as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus
and putting their FAITH in him." (John 12:10-11)
Romans 1:20 says "God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and
divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has
been made, so that men are without excuse." "Without excuse" means men
have seen the proof of God's existence - proof sufficient to impose the
death penalty for rejecting that proof.
> and (b) it assumes that design exists objectively. In other words,
Dempski does not
> seem to share my viewpoint that all appearances of "design" are purely
> subjective.
I would say God gives each of us the _special_ revelation we need to
believe ("Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands.
Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
- John 20:27). However, God's _general_ revelation to all mankind (cf
Romans 1:20) is adequate proof of his existence and character, whether it
is accepted or not.
I don't see that faith and proof are necessarily related, certainly not
coupled in the way you describe: "(I believe faith precludes proof - I
mean - who needs faith if you have proof?)."
I am strongly in favor of the ID movement; evolution is being used by
many to undercut our faith by making God irrelavant - especially in our
schools (IMHO).
It's a pleasure to dialog with you Lucy. Thank you for being so polite.
Father, I lift up George Hammond to you. I pray that you would touch his
heart, just as you did mine. Thanks.
Bill
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