Replies to post #1072 on OPEN DISCUSSION BOARD

[blasher]

Most of what anyone believes in any area takes faith.
. . ., atheism, evolution, religion, stock trading systems, raising children, age of universe, flying spaghetti monsters, . . .
OK, I think we're finished with this topic.
There was no real discussion of ideas,
but that is just fine with me.
I won't be responding to just statements on this topic any more.
Actually, I never really even knew what the topic was.
LOL
Have a great new week everyone !!

[POKERSAM]

JLS - You said, "Others here have been quoting chapter and verse, and in doing that they are emphasizing so-called fact over philosophy. I have a problem with that."
I have to admit I do not fully understand your point.
A person's philosophy is based on what a person believes to be facts. If a person believes chapter and verse of scripture is the authority in establishing what the facts are, he believes that by faith. Chapter and verse is excepted by faith to be correct and philosophy is formed based upon those chapters and verses. I have no problem with that and am curious why you would.
I except by faith that the Bible is the authority in all matters of faith and practice. I do not believe it to be a fact that my interpretation of this authority is completely correct and final. Over the years my interpretation of what I believe to be the authority and store house of truth, the Bible, has changed and matured.
One thing that has strengthened my faith in the Bible over the years is that I have found nothing in the rehlm of reality that contradicts the Bible. Reality has contradicted my interpretation of the Bible many times and so my interpretation has had to undergo revision many times. I expect my interpretation of the Bible to continue to be perfected what time I walk the Earth.
Speaking of "faith" I think it is interesting to consider whether faith is a person's decision and is creative OR is it a sure and certain knowledge given by God to those willing to except it.
I believed by faith in God before I had sought or had any evidence of His existence. I had a sure and certain knowledge that God was. You say I believed that by faith and I ask where that faith came from. Based on chapter and verse I believe it was a revelation of God. I also believe that the revelation of God's existence is given to all men and is witnessed by all that exist.
Read Romans 1:18-22
Light is given to all and light rejected becomes lightning.
I am never concerned with convincing anyone of the truth of God's existence. God has given that knowledge to every man. What a man does with that knowledge determines whether or not further faith or light is given. Ephesians 2:4-9