g-rh@cca.UUCP (Richard Harter) (12/08/84)
[... Insert witty saying here...] Some time ago David Norris posed this question to non-believers: What evidence would convince you that the Christian God exists and that Christianity is a true account of affairs? This is a belated reply to that question. Some people replied that a suitable miracle would convince them. The problem with miracles, however, is that one may doubt the authorship. For example, suppose that a new planet suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Such a "miracle" would certainly be evidence of a power of a kind and nature beyond our comprehension. However it would not, in its own right, establish that the being was the Christian God. Some Christians regularly advance direct experience as a suitable basis for belief. One believes in the Lord because one has opened one's heart to the Lord and has directly experienced his presence. Non-believers grant the reality of the experience and doubt the validity of the interpretation. I do not wish to rehearse the arguments for either side; others have done so at great length. Suffice it to say that the non-believers remain unconvinced. They would like more tangible evidence that does not depend upon their own or someone else's inner state of mind. For example: According to the scriptural accounts there are Angels and they can act directly in the affairs of the world. Suppose they did so on a regular basis, openly, on a day to day basis. For example, they could open offices, buy advertising time, give interviews, etc. If you wanted to know what the Divine word is on any particular topic you could go to your local Office of the Lord and consult the resident Angel. I leave the elaboration of the possibilities to the reader. Note that the presence of Angels in the day to day affairs of the world would not change the essential character of the relationship of human beings to God. Sin is still sin, prayer is still prayer, and closeness to God is still voluntary (with God's help). The Angels would be propagandists and spokesangels rather than enforcers of the Divine will. I do not say that God should do this. If there is a God it would be presumptuous of me to do so; if there is not, the question is moot. I suggest, however, that it would be highly convincing. Richard Harter (SMDS Inc.) ...!cca!g-rh
jnelson@trwrba.UUCP (John T. Nelson) (12/13/84)
According to the scriptural accounts there are Angels and they can act directly in the affairs of the world. Suppose they did so on a regular basis, openly, on a day to day basis. For example, they could open offices, buy advertising time, give interviews, etc. Fix uucp bugs, use Usenet, flame on net.religion... - John
chuqui@nsc.UUCP (Chuqui[The Time Traveller]) (12/14/84)
> > According to the scriptural accounts there are Angels and they > can act directly in the affairs of the world. Suppose they did > so on a regular basis, openly, on a day to day basis. For > example, they could open offices, buy advertising time, give > interviews, etc. > To tell you the truth, I don't think a single angel or miracle would be neccessary. If more Christians acted like the teachings of Jesus suggest to them how to live (instead of using the Christian religion to forward greed, selfishness and personal gain, to name a few vices Jesus didn't approve of) I'm sure a lot of people would enjoy joining in the fun. The teachings of Jesus has a lot of wonderful things to say-- the execution in this world of his words leaves just as much to be desired in many people. chuq -- From behind the bar at Callahan's: Chuq Von Rospach {allegra,cbosgd,decwrl,hplabs,ihnp4,seismo}!nsc!chuqui nsc!chuqui@decwrl.ARPA The evil that men do lives after them; the good it oft interred with their bones. So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus hath told you Caesar was ambitious... And Brutus is an honorable man
amra@ihuxj.UUCP (Steven L. Aldrich) (12/14/84)
Bravo Chuq!! True Words of Wisdom For Everyone. How much you want
to bet that this suggestion will NOT be applied in "net.religion?"
Seems the only purpose of this group is to Harass, Cajole, Ridicule
the beliefs of others! Postings which express "tolerance", or lack
"hostile verbage" are ignored by many people on this news-group.
Is it so difficult to Calmly "Discuss" religious issues without ending
up with "Verbal Holy Wars"? Opinions Welcome As Always!
Best Wishes For The Holidays
From The Atoms Currently Associated As:
Steve Aldrich (ihnp4!ihuxj!amra)
===> New Home As Of 12-17-84: ihnp4!ihu1n!amra <===
"...You can muffle the drum and loosen the strings of the lyre,
but who shall command the sky-lark not to sing?"jah@philabs.UUCP (Julie Harazduk) (12/21/84)
> > > > > > According to the scriptural accounts there are Angels and they > > can act directly in the affairs of the world. Suppose they did > > so on a regular basis, openly, on a day to day basis. For > > example, they could open offices, buy advertising time, give > > interviews, etc. > > > To tell you the truth, I don't think a single angel or miracle would be > neccessary. If more Christians acted like the teachings of Jesus suggest to > them how to live (instead of using the Christian religion to forward greed, > selfishness and personal gain, to name a few vices Jesus didn't approve of) > I'm sure a lot of people would enjoy joining in the fun. The teachings of > Jesus has a lot of wonderful things to say-- the execution in this world of > his words leaves just as much to be desired in many people. > Actually, I think if more non-Christians would look at what Jesus did instead of what Christians do, there would be alot more people joining in the joy of the Gospel (and the fun:-). Christians aren't perfect...they're just forgiven. I thank God it's part of the promise, though. Phil. 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. > chuq > -- > From behind the bar at Callahan's: Chuq Von Rospach julie {decvax|ihnp4|allegra}!philabs!jah From in front of the Cross at Calvary: Julie A. Harazduk