Re: [asa] AIG -- Scientists! Give it up!

Quoting Vernon Jenkins <vernon.jenkins@virgin.net>:
>
> Keith believes "there is no inherent conflict between evolutionary theory and
> a Christian faith with a high view of scripture." He accepts the Bible as
> "authoritative and true in what God intends it to communicate." He continues,
> "...simply accepting the truth of the biblical writings does not indicate the
> meaning of those writings...There is no such thing as an objective reading of
> scripture."
>
> Dick, I take it that you subscribe to these statements. But if we question
> His words, how are we to know what God intends to communicate to us? It seems
> to me that he (Keith) advocates a 'free-for-all' - a 'build-your-own' gospel
> from the biblical fragments one is prepared to believe! Is there really no
> such thing as an objective reading of scripture? When the Lord speaks - as in
> his 'Sermon on the Mount' - have we the audacity to question what he says? -
> to translate it into words we would prefer to hear? What kind of Christianity
> is this?!
>
> However, my question was directed to you, Dick. How do you answer the Lord's
> command in respect of a doctrine that yields evil fruit and, further,
> competes with the Scriptures for man's allegiance?
>
> Vernon
>
Sorry that I'm not Dick, but I'll keep butting in here anyway. I don't think
Keith would deny the existence of absolute truth either in scripture or in
doctrine. (Or if he does then I disagree with him, but I'm sure he can speak up
for himself if he's following this thread.) I would understand his statement
to mean that there is no such thing as absolute human understanding or
apprehension of that Truth. I.e. Absolute truth (reality) exists, but 100%
objective human apprehension of that truth is not possible. So he CAN have a
high view of scripture while simultaneously disagreeing with your particular
understanding of that scripture and humbly allowing that his own understanding
could also be incomplete or incorrect. And no it isn't a "free for all" because
 that absolute truth is out there, and some views will probably be closer to it
than others. So here we are trying to wrestle it out.

Vernon, I'll ask you --- since Christianity has been used (or appealed to) in
murder countless victims throughout history (inquisition, crusades, modern wars
where country = God formula is applied, etc.) should we then conclude that
Christianity is an evil set of doctrines based on this evil fruit?

Still awaiting your responses.

--merv

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Received on Thu Jul 27 19:23:21 2006